Can signers located in mainland China open and sign DocuSign documents?

In recent years, global businesses have increasingly digitized their contract signing processes through electronic signature platforms. However, for companies operating with partners or clients in mainland China, regulatory compliance, data sovereignty, and internet accessibility present unique challenges. As international eSignature solutions like Adobe Sign and DocuSign expand their global footprints, the question of usability and legality within Chinese borders becomes a complex but important consideration for enterprises.

Adobe Sign’s Exit from Mainland China: A Strategic Response to Data Compliance

In the broader context of adapting to regional data laws, Adobe has made strategic adjustments to its operations. Notably, Adobe Sign, one of the leading electronic signature services globally, has officially withdrawn from offering services within mainland China. This move is largely driven by the increasingly stringent legal and regulatory framework in China concerning data protection, AI training data governance, and cybersecurity law compliance.

Mainland China operates under a comprehensive set of digital regulations, including the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL), the Data Security Law (DSL), and the Cybersecurity Law. These require international service providers to ensure that Chinese user data remains within territory borders and is not used for non-consensual machine learning or AI model training overseas.

In addition, Adobe’s strategic realignment seems to reflect a broader market recalibration that involves focusing on regions with clearer interoperability and lower compliance friction. Adobe’s exit from China signals a trend for global SaaS providers: compliance cannot be an afterthought—it must be core to market strategy.

DocuSign in Mainland China: Data Security and Operational Challenges

As Adobe Sign withdraws, attention turns to other leading eSignature solutions, particularly DocuSign. From a brand awareness standpoint, DocuSign remains a top global player, with a robust presence in Western markets and growing outreach into the Asia-Pacific region. But how well does DocuSign function in China?

The answer is both nuanced and practical. Technically, a signer located within mainland China can open and e-sign a DocuSign document—provided they have access to the internet and receive the document via email or link. However, there are several caveats that business users should be aware of:

1. Internet Accessibility & Speed: Due to the Great Firewall of China, internet connections from mainland China to external servers—such as those hosted by DocuSign in North America or Europe—can be unstable or significantly slower. This may result in sluggish loading of the signature interface or timeout issues, particularly when accessing attachments or complex templates.

2. Compliance with Data Transfer Laws: Cross-border data transfers are regulated under China’s PIPL and DSL. Companies based outside China that request customer or partner signatures from within the mainland must assess whether they are handling personally identifiable information (PII) and ensure compliance with Chinese data laws.

3. Digital Identity and Validity: eSignatures are legally recognized in China, but the legal system gives preference to electronic signatures recognized by Chinese eCA-certified entities. While DocuSign offers secure eSigning and is widely compliant with international legal standards such as eIDAS and ESIGN Act, it does not hold China’s local eCA certifications.

4. Lack of Localized Support and Hosting: DocuSign currently does not maintain China-based data centers, which can pose a risk for intensive commercial operations requiring rapid document processing or guaranteed uptime. Additionally, customer support localized to Chinese regulations and language needs is limited.

Risks of Using Global Platforms in China Without Localization

Operating in China without adapting to local standards is increasingly seen as a high-risk strategy. Whether it is due to cross-border data scrutiny, lack of local cloud compliance, or slow service speed, global SaaS providers are often at a disadvantage unless partnered with a local entity or platform that meets Chinese regulatory standards.

For instance, the use of default DocuSign Certificate of Completion may not be sufficient evidence in a Chinese courtroom, especially when disputed. Legal enforceability in China often depends on integration with China’s own legal authority-approved systems.

In addition, concerns about AI training data—where user documents could inadvertently be used to refine machine learning models outside of China—are also growing. Unlike many Western nations, China regulates algorithm transparency and AI-originated content with significantly more control, which foreign providers must account for.

Cross-border contract execution: What’s the Best Alternative?

Given operational speed issues, legal risks, and compliance uncertainties, many companies are re-evaluating their signing strategies for business units and clients in China. For organizations regularly engaging with counterparts in Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and mainland China, a regionally compliant and locally integrated solution is not just beneficial—it’s essential.

One such solution is eSignGlobal, which offers cross-border electronic signatures with a strong focus on Asia-Pacific coverage. Unlike Western players who face infrastructure and compliance hurdles in China, eSignGlobal has built its strategy from the ground up with regional laws, data residency, and AI compliance in mind.

eSignGlobal connects seamlessly between stakeholders in mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and other key economic corridors in Asia. Its compliance engine interprets and enforces backups based on each jurisdiction’s eSignature laws, ensuring smooth and legally robust document execution across borders.

Furthermore, its capability to operate behind the Great Firewall provides enhanced service speed, while maintaining data sovereignty that meets the standards of Chinese regulators.

For many businesses facing the sunset of Adobe Sign in China and unpredictable performance from DocuSign, eSignGlobal offers a future-proof alternative aligned with both local needs and international best practices.

Your trusted alternative for signing across China, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia: eSignGlobal.