Mainland China iOS: ISBN gate before a paid test
App Store Connect help states that games on the China mainland App Store must secure an NPPA approval number and upload ISBN issuance or approval documents before offering paid games or IAP in that storefront.
Apple’s App Store Connect help page App information, opened 20 September 2026, includes an Availability in China mainland field. It states that Chinese law requires additional documentation for some apps on the China mainland App Store, and that games must secure an approval number from China’s National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA). Supporting uploads named on the page: the game’s ISBN Issuing Letter or Approval Reply, and a copy of the latest business licence (authorisation from the matching operator may also be included).
Operator reading
| Field | Evidence or limit |
|---|---|
| Gate | NPPA approval number (ISBN) for games |
| Storefront | App Store China mainland |
| Supporting docs named | ISBN issuing letter / approval reply; business licence |
| ICP filing | Separately required for some apps (MIIT) on the same page |
| Paid UA without ISBN | **Not supported** by this Apple help text |
| Not established | Soft-launch date for any named title |
A Mainland China iOS paid test (paid download or IAP) should not be scheduled until the ASC China-mainland compliance fields can be completed with a real NPPA number. Free, non-monetised experiments are outside the sentence Apple ties to paid games / IAP, but national publishing rules still apply — do not invent a loophole from ASC help alone.
