Shanghai adds 11 cross-border data service centers

Shanghai has expanded the coverage of its negative list for outbound data transfers to the entire city, with 11 new cross-border data service centers now established in Huangpu, Xuhui, Changning, Putuo, Hongkou, Yangpu, Baoshan, Minhang, Jiading, Songjiang, and Fengxian districts, bringing the total to 19.

These centers serve as one-stop hubs for enterprises, offering policy interpretation, compliance guidance, and assistance with declarations.

According to the Shanghai Cyberspace Administration, the release of the negative list aligns with Shanghai's strategy to advance high-level institutional opening-up.

The initiative marks a significant step in empowering the digital economy and optimizing the business environment, as well as a key breakthrough in Shanghai's cross-border data flow management framework.

The negative list covers four major sectors: reinsurance, international shipping, trade and commerce, and meteorology. It defines nine specific business scenarios, 29 data subcategories, and 109 data items, outlining when each scenario applies and specifying which types of data must comply with formal procedures.

Shanghai may also refer to and apply negative lists from 22 sectors in nine provinces and municipalities in China.

Outbound data not included on the negative list can flow freely and in an orderly manner as long as enterprises meet relevant security management requirements, thus accelerating cross-border data flows.

This is expected to further enhance Shanghai's appeal to multinational corporations while providing robust institutional safeguards for Shanghai-based companies expanding their international presence.