CNY

Payments toward mainland China (onshore):

• Payments in Chinese Yuan / Renminbi toward mainland China are considered to be regulated and complex.

• Cross-border payments in CNY toward mainland China are only authorised for capital, commercial and similar transactions.

• Cross-border payments in CNY from non-individuals to individuals located in mainland China are possible. However, cross-border payments in CNY initiated by individuals are not permitted.

• Regulations change frequently: please contact your Account Manager for the latest status or any specific request.

Payments outside mainland China (offshore):

• Payments in CNY outside mainland China are not subject to rules described above and are considered to be highly standardised.

Payments in CNY toward mainland China

Payments in CNY toward mainland China are processed through the Chinese local clearing, called CNAPS (China National Advanced Payment System), which uses specific codes and information.

Besides the standard information, the full name (written out in full, without initials, abbreviations or acronyms) of the beneficiary is mandatory, to reduce ambiguity linked with homonyms. The beneficiary’s physical full address is recommended in order to facilitate the correct processing. The beneficiary's bank name is mandatory while the beneficiary's bank address is optional.

A clearing code, known as the CNAPS routing code, is mandatory: this code describes the exact branch location of the beneficiary's bank. Providing BIC code in addition to CNAPS code is highly recommended but not mandatory.

In case the CNAPS routing code is not provided, BIC code (branch identifier included, if available) of the beneficiary’s bank becomes mandatory. In order to facilitate the process, it is also recommended to add the full address (exact branch location) of the beneficiary's bank in the remittance information. The derivation process of the CNAPS routing code from BIC code is a manual process and is done on a best effort basis; as such, the payment may be subject to delays.

Example of the CNAPS routing code of BNP Paribas China Ltd - Shanghai branch: 782290000018

A CNAPS purpose of payment code (see Appendix III) is also needed for regulatory reporting to the People’s Bank of China. This code is mandatory.

Example of a CNAPS purpose of payment code: PAYT/02114 for contracted services (used for e.g. payments towards individuals in Mainland China)

A clear reason / purpose of payment is mandatory and consists of a full written description (in English) of the nature of payment to be provided in the remittance information. For example: providing an invoice number without guiding text is considered as insufficient and can result in errors or delays.

Example: Payment of travel expenses – invoice n° 123456789

Moreover, it is recommended to provide the beneficiary’s telephone number in the remittance information.

Payments in CNY outside mainland China

Standard information

To consult the Technical Guidelines of this currency, click here

To consult the Appendix(es) click here

• Available charge option: OUR/SHA/BEN

• Central bank of China: http://www.pbc.gov.cn/english/130437/index.html