Xiaohongshu Account Compliance for International Brands
Xiaohongshu tightened its Professional Account certification rules in 2026. For international brands, the important point is simple: the registered entity, actual operator, certified industry and supporting documents need to match.
This is not only an administrative detail. The choices made during account setup can affect verification, advertising access and the way a brand operates on the platform later.
Because requirements can vary by industry and approved market, brands should confirm the current route before submitting documents or building their account structure.
What changed in Xiaohongshu certification rules
Xiaohongshu’s Professional Account guidance, updated in August 2026, states that industry qualifications must be held by the entity applying for certification. Borrowed, attached, forged or altered qualifications are not accepted.
From 30 June 2026, an electronic business licence generally needs to be printed in the national standard format and stamped with the applicant entity’s physical company seal. Screenshots or screen captures are only supported in a limited verification route specified by the platform.
The guidance also states that one certified entity can generally support no more than two enterprise Professional Accounts. The selected industry should match the entity’s business scope, actual operations and supporting qualifications.
Overseas and Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan entities may be eligible where Xiaohongshu has opened access for the relevant location and industry. That makes early eligibility checking especially important for an international brand.
Source: Xiaohongshu Professional Account certification rules, updated August 2026: https://ad.xiaohongshu.com/next_help/docs/195c5fe505c71b4b0335a2fe0d61d8e0
What international brands should review now
Confirm who should own the account. The certified entity, submitted documents and actual operator should tell one consistent story. If a China team or agency will support operations, responsibilities and access should be agreed before certification.
Prepare the right documents. Check the business registration, authorised signatory, company seal, brand or trademark evidence and any industry specific qualifications required for the selected category.
Plan the account architecture before applying. If a group has several brands, business units or markets, decide which accounts are genuinely needed before using the certification allowance.
Keep content aligned with the certified business. Account names, profile information, commercial claims and regular content should remain consistent with the approved entity and industry.
Review compliance regularly. Platform rules and industry requirements can change, so account setup should be revisited when the brand, operating entity, content scope or campaign activity changes.
Lotus helps international brands assess Xiaohongshu account requirements, prepare the operating route and connect verification with content and regular account management. Explore our Xiaohongshu marketing service: https://www.lotussocialagency.com/platforms/rednote-xiaohongshu-marketing-agency
This article provides practical platform guidance and is not legal advice.
Need an owned-account and identity plan before launch? Contact Lotus.
Continue planning: review Xiaohongshu professional-account setup and compare Chinese social media platforms.
