The Ebiquity Guide to Contract Compliance Auditing in China

Four critical watchouts for advertisers 

China’s media market presents unique challenges for advertisers seeking transparency and accountability across their advertising investments. 

The Ebiquity Guide to Contract Compliance Auditing in China sets out where value is most often lost, why standard global audit approaches can fall short, and what advertisers need to build into contracts, audits and agency governance. 

What the guide covers

  • Brokers: China’s media supply chain often includes an extra trading layer between agencies and media owners. Are you clear on who is buying your media, what they are charging, and whether your contract gives you the right to check? 
  • Rebates: In China, rebates are often opaque, slow to reconcile, and not always returned in line with contract terms. The guide explains why “fair share” is not always the market default, and why stronger clauses are needed. 
  • Unbilled media: When planned budgets are not fully spent, the difference should come back to the advertiser. Without formal reconciliation, that money can stay in the system. 
  • Taxation: China’s tax environment is complex, with central and local rules, variable rates, and potential preferential rebates. Are you seeing the full picture, and are available benefits being passed back to you? 

Key findings

20% of digital media budgets can be eroded by hidden broker fees 

87% of Ebiquity China audits found agencies had failed to return all rebates due under contract 

Only 12% of agencies provided audit access to broker trading agreements 

Our China contract compliance audits delivered an average ROI of x78 

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