Circular No. 01/2020/TT-BTTTT provides detailed regulations and guidance on implementing certain provisions of the Law on Publishing and Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP dated November 21, 2013, of the Government detailing certain provisions and measures to implement the Law on Publishing.

CIRCULAR

Detailed regulations and guidance on the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Publishing and Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP dated November 21, 2013 of the Government detailing certain provisions and measures to implement the Law on Publishing Detailed regulations and measures to implement certain provisions of the Law on Publishing

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Pursuant to the Law on Publishing dated October 20,June 2024;on November 2012;

Pursuant to Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP dated November 21, 2013 of the Government detailing certain provisions and measures to implement the Law on Publishing;

Pursuant to Decree No. 150/2018/NĐ-CP dated November 7, 2018 of the Government concerning conditions for investment and business operations and administrative procedures in the information and communications sector;"b) In addition to the lists of public services issued according to the provisions of Clause 2, Article 4 of this Decree, specialized agencies under provincial People's Committees shall report to the provincial People's Committee for decision-making on amending, supplementing, or issuing the list of public services funded by the state budget within their jurisdiction and consistent with the local budget capacity within the approved budget by the Provincial People's Assembly, and send it to the Ministry of Finance and relevant ministries and sectors for supervision during implementation."952/QĐ-TTg, amended and supplemented by Decree No. 109/2025/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CPening a series ofNo.DecreeNumber of employees and workers directly involved in the joint venture and association activities of the organization over the last 03 yearsrelating to conditions for investment and business operations and administrative procedures"b) In addition to the lists of public services issued according to the provisions of Clause 2, Article 4 of this Decree, specialized agencies under provincial People's Committees shall report to the provincial People's Committee for decision-making on amending, supplementing, or issuing the list of public services funded by the state budget within their jurisdiction and consistent with the local budget capacity within the approved budget by the Provincial People's Assembly, and send it to the Ministry of Finance and relevant ministries and sectors for supervision during implementation."in the information and communications sector;

Pursuant to DecreeNo. Resolution No. 17/2017/NĐ-CPdated February 17, 2017 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Information and Communications;

At the proposal of the Director of the Publishing Department,IPrinting,

The Minister of Information and Communications issues this Circular detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Publishing and Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP of the Government detailing certain provisions and measures to implement the Law on Publishing (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP) regarding organization and operation in the fields of publishing, printing, distribution of publications, and electronic publication and distribution.FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, POWERS, ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE, OPERATIONAL REGULATIONS, AND RELATIONSHIPS OF MANAGEMENT BOARDS; DUTIES, POWERS OF THE CHAIRPERSON, VICE CHAIRPERSON (IF ANY), SECRETARY, AND MEMBERS OF MANAGEMENT BOARDS195/2013/NĐ-CP dated November 21, 2013 of the Government detailing certain provisions and measures to enforce the Law on Publishinginternationaldated November 20, 2012No.and Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CPNo. 1dated November 21, 2013 of the Government detailing certain provisions and measures to implement the Law on Publishing.dated November 21, 2013 of the Government detailing certain provisions and measures to implement the Law on Publishing.internationalThis Circular details and guides the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Publishing and Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP of the Government detailing certain provisions and measures to implement the Law on Publishing (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP) regarding organization and operation in the fields of publishing, printing, distribution of publications, and electronic publication and distribution.

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

Article 2. Periodic reporting system prescribed in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of Article 5 of Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP

Central and local printing establishments shall combine the reporting of their operational status in printing publications with the printing of non-publication products in the same report and implement according to Clause 3 of Article 1 of Decree No. 25/2018/NĐ-CP dated February 28, 2018 of the Government amending and supplementing some articles of Decree No. 60/2014/NĐ-CP dated June 19, 2014 of the Government on printing activities (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 25/2018/NĐ-CP);

b) Distribution enterprises and public service units with headquarters and branches in the same centrally-administered city or province must report in writing about their operational status to the Department of Information and Communications or specialized agencies assigned by the People's Committee of the centrally-administered city or province to manage state administration over publication activities (hereinafter referred to as "Department");

The Department is responsible for compiling the operational status and state management work in the field of publication and distribution of publications in the locality and report in writing to the Ministry of Information and Communications (through the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department).

The compilation of the operational status and reporting on the field of printing publications shall be combined with the reporting system as prescribed in Decree No. 25/2018/NĐ-CP.

Clause 2. Data for the reporting period (except for the reporting on the field of printing publications which is carried out jointly under Decree No. 25/2018/NĐ-CP):

a) For the mid-year report, data for the report is calculated from January 1st of the reporting period to June 30th of the reporting period;

b) For the annual report, data for the report is calculated from January 1st of the reporting period to December 31st of the reporting period.

a) Subjects specified in Point a (excluding printing establishments) and Point b of Clause 1 of this Article shall submit the mid-year report no later than July 10th of the reporting year and the annual report no later than January 10th of the following year;

b) Departments shall submit the mid-year report no later than July 15th of the reporting year and the annual report no later than January 15th of the following year.

3. Deadline for submitting reports:

Clause 4. Form of reports and methods of submission:

a) Written reports must bear the seal and signature of the head of the agency or organization or the signature of the individual implementing the reporting system or electronic written reports must be in PDF format and signed digitally by the head of the agency or organization or the individual implementing the reporting system using a digital certificate provided by a legitimate digital certification service provider;

b) Submission of reports shall be carried out through one or more of the following methods: by postal service, fax, direct submission, email (E-mail) or submission via the online reporting system.

In case of submission of reports via email (E-mail), the report must be in Word or Excel file formats, accompanied by a scanned (scanned) PDF version of the written report for verification, ensuring the accuracy of the reported information.

b) The submission of the implementation report shall be made through one or more of the following methods: by post, fax, direct submission, email (E-mail), or via the online reporting system.

In the case of submitting the report via email (E-mail), the report must be in Word or Excel file formats, accompanied by a scanned (scan) PDF version of the paper document for verification purposes to ensure the accuracy of the reported information.

Article 3. Acceptance of files and processing of administrative procedures in publishing activities

1. For administrative procedures within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Information and Communications as prescribed in the Law on Publishing, Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP, and this Circular, the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department shall be responsible for accepting files and processing them according to its assigned functions, tasks, and authorities.

2. For administrative procedures within the jurisdiction of the People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities (hereinafter referred to as provincial-level People's Committees) as prescribed in the Law on Publishing, Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP, and this Circular, the Departments shall be responsible for accepting files and processing them according to their assigned functions, tasks, and authorities.

Article 4. Responsibility for organizing training and enhancing knowledge of laws and professional skills in the fields of publishing, printing, and distribution of publications

1. The Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies and units to organize training and enhance professional skills in the fields of publishing, printing, and distribution of publications nationwide.

2. The Departments shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies and units to organize training on legal knowledge in the fields of publishing, printing, and distribution of publications at the local level.

Chapter II

FIELD OF PUBLISHING

Article 5. Guidelines for signing off on complete manuscripts before printing as stipulated in Point e Clause 1 Article 18 of the Law on Publishing

1. Manuscripts printed on ordinary paper; manuscripts printed on can paper, on film; electronic manuscripts (including the content of the publication, information recorded on the publication, cover if it is a book) must be thoroughly edited by the editor and chief editor before being submitted to the director or general manager of the publisher for signature and approval for printing.

2. Methods for the director (general manager) of the publisher to sign off on manuscripts:

a) For manuscripts of publications that are books printed on ordinary paper, the director (general manager) of the publisher shall sign and stamp on the front cover, back cover, and page recording the registration number of the publication or sign on the manuscript approval form which already has the signatures of the chief editor and editor of the publisher on the form and must affix a counterfoil stamp on the approval form with the manuscript.

b) For manuscripts of publications that are not books printed on ordinary paper, on can paper, on film, and electronic manuscripts, the director (general manager) of the publisher shall sign on the manuscript approval form after having the signatures of the chief editor and editor of the publisher on the manuscript approval form.

Article 6. Procedures, formalities, and methods for revoking and reissuing editing practice certificates

1. The procedures, formalities, and methods for revoking editing practice certificates as prescribed in Clause 3 Article 20 of the Law on Publishing shall be implemented as follows:

a) The identification of editors falling under the circumstances for revocation of editing practice certificates as prescribed in Clause 3 Article 20 of the Law on Publishing must be documented in a record by the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department.

b) Within five working days from the date of the record, the Director of the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department must issue a decision to revoke the editing practice certificate.

c) From the date of the decision to revoke the editing practice certificate, the editor shall not engage in editing manuscripts, sign on publications, and shall have the responsibility to return the editing practice certificate to the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department.

a) After two years from the date of revocation of the editing practice certificate, the editor may request the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department to reissue the editing practice certificate. The application for reissuance of the editing practice certificate shall be sent directly or through postal services to the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department.

b) Within ten days from the date of receipt of all necessary documents, the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department shall be responsible for reviewing the reissuance of the editing practice certificate for the editor; if the certificate is not reissued, a written response explaining the reasons must be provided.

a) Within fifteen days from the date the editing practice certificate is lost or damaged, the editor must submit a file requesting reissuance of the editing practice certificate. The file shall consist of one set sent directly or through postal services to the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department including: Application for reissuance of the editing practice certificate; original of the editing practice certificate in case of damage.

b) Within five working days from the date of receipt of all necessary documents, the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department shall be responsible for reviewing the reissuance of the editing practice certificate for the editor; if the certificate is not reissued, a written response explaining the reasons must be provided.

Article 7. The basic contents of the joint venture contract are stipulated at Point b Clause 3 Article 23 of the Publishing Law

In addition to the information required under the laws on contracts, the joint venture contract between the publisher and the joint venture partner stipulated at Point b Clause 3 Article 23 of the Publishing Law must include the following information:

1. Name and address of the publisher and the joint venture partner.

2. Name of the publication and author's name.

3. Form of joint venture publishing as prescribed in Clause 2 Article 23 of the Publishing Law (One or more forms of joint venture may be applied in one contract). Based on the form of joint venture, clearly define the responsibilities of each party in carrying out the corresponding stages according to that form of joint venture.

4. Responsibility of the publisher or joint venture partner to have the Author's Permission for the Use of Works and Materials for Publication and Re-publication from the author or copyright owner and to fulfill obligations and rights as prescribed by the intellectual property laws.

5. Responsibility of the joint venture partner to comply with decisions of the general director (director) of the publisher regarding suspension of distribution, recall, and destruction of publications that violate regulations.

6. Contents recorded in Clauses 1 to 5 and other information (if any) shall not contravene the provisions of the laws on publishing, printing, and distributing publications, intellectual property laws, and related laws.

Article 8. Management of registration confirmation numbers for publications stipulated at Clause 6 Article 10 of Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP

1. Registration confirmation numbers are issued for each publication and recorded in the registration confirmation certificate. Publishers must accurately record the registration confirmation number on the published publication according to the instructions in the registration confirmation certificate.

2. Not later than March 31 of the year immediately following the year of registration confirmation, publishers must report to the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department the list of publication titles that have been issued registration confirmation numbers but have not been published.

Article 9. Method of registering publications via the Internet stipulated at Clause 6 Article 10 of Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP

In addition to submitting registration application files directly or sending them through postal services to the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department, the method of registering publications via the Internet is carried out as follows:

1. Publishers must have a digital signature certificate issued by a service provider organization to carry out online publication registration.

2. Publishers must fill in the registration information according to the guidelines on the electronic portal of the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department for providing online public services.

Article 10. Documents and procedures for applying for a permit to publish non-commercial materials stipulated at Article 12 of Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP

In case of submission via the Internet: Submission through the online public service portal must be accompanied by a digital signature certificate of the head of the organization requesting the permit to confirm the entire application; submission via email must be a scanned copy (scan) of the paper version with a format that does not allow intervention or modification and signed and stamped like the paper version, and follow the guidelines on the electronic portal of the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department for providing online public services.

2. Organizations requesting a permit to publish non-commercial materials must prepare one (01) set of application documents, including:

a) An application form for the permit;

b) Two (02) printed drafts of the material on paper stamped by the organization requesting the publication permit at the first page and between the pages of the draft or one (01) electronic draft stored in an electronic storage device with a format that does not allow intervention or modification; in the case of non-commercial electronic publications, submit one (01) electronic draft with a digital signature of the head of the organization requesting the publication permit;

For materials in foreign languages or ethnic minority languages in Vietnam, a Vietnamese translation must be attached, stamped by the organization requesting the publication permit.

Article 11. Guidelines for Recording Information on Publications

In addition to the provisions stipulated in Article 27 of the Law on Publishing, recording information on publications shall be carried out according to the following regulations:

1. For printed books:

a) On the front cover, the name of the author, the name of the translator, the name of the transcriber, and the name of the compiler shall not be recorded for books containing the original text of Party documents; legal normative documents; religious canonical texts of religions operating legally in Vietnam;

b) The page numbers must be recorded;

c) If the National Emblem or National Flag is used in the book, it must comply with relevant legal provisions;

d) The phrase "ADVERTISING BOOK" must be recorded on the back cover for books exclusively about advertising;

đ) The phrases "CONFIDENTIAL", "TOP SECRET", or "SECRET" must be printed on the title page for books containing state secrets as defined by the Law on Protecting State Secrets, and only the declaration form for retention copies shall be submitted according to Point d, Clause 1, Article 28 of the Law on Publishing.

2. For electronic publications:

a) Full information as prescribed in Clause 5, Article 27 of the Law on Publishing must be recorded at the beginning of the publication, except for the frame, the name of the person revising the print version, the number of prints, the name and address of the printing facility;

b) The registration confirmation number for publication must be placed on the interface or at the beginning of the electronic publication on the Internet or within the software of end-user devices.

3. For publications that are not books:

a) For paintings, photographs, maps, posters, loose sheets, folded sheets: The registration confirmation number for publication or the license number for non-commercial publication materials must be recorded in the lower right corner of the first or last page;

b) For block calendars, sheet calendars:

The day, week, month, and year of the Gregorian calendar must correspond accurately to the Calendar Table issued by the competent authority;

In addition to the information about the day, week, month, and year of the Gregorian calendar, depending on the size, nature, and purpose of use of the calendar, the director (general director) of the publisher decides to select other information from the Calendar Table and additional information to print on the calendar, ensuring accuracy, suitability with Vietnamese customs and traditions, clear source annotations for data, and avoiding recommendations or warnings without scientific basis;

All information on the calendar must be printed in Vietnamese; if both Vietnamese and minority ethnic languages or foreign languages are used with the same content, the size of the characters in minority ethnic languages or foreign languages must not exceed 3/4 the size of the Vietnamese characters;

National holidays and Sundays must be printed in red; major national commemorative days must be printed in red or presented and designed differently from the rest of the week;

The name of the publisher, the registration confirmation number, the publication decision number, the print quantity, the frame, the name and address of the printing facility, and the name and address of the partner (if any) must be recorded on the cover of the block calendar, and in the lower right corner of the December sheet for the sheet calendar;

c) For diary calendars, desk calendars, and other types of printed calendars: Record the name of the publisher; the registration confirmation number; the publication decision number; the print quantity; the name and address of the main office of the printing facility; the name and address of the partner (if any), and the director (general director) determines the position to record this information;

d) For audio and video recordings that replace or illustrate books (including: CDs, CD-ROMs, cassette tapes, videos, and other data storage devices): The registration confirmation number for publication and the license number for non-commercial publication materials must be recorded as follows: On the label affixed to the surface of the CD, CD-ROM, and the outer surface of the CD case; on the label affixed to the outer surface of the cassette tape, video, and other data storage device cases.

4. The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) recorded on publications shall be implemented according to Circular No. 05/2016/TT-BTTTT dated March 1, 2016, issued by the Minister of Information and Communications regarding the management and use of ISBN; in case there are amendments, supplements, or replacements to Circular No. 05/2016/TT-BTTTT, the new regulations shall apply.

Article 12. The procedures for submitting copies to the National Library of Vietnam and for depositing publications as prescribed in Article 28 and Article 48 of the Law on Publishing, and Article 21 of Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP

In addition to the provisions of Article 28 and Article 48 of the Law on Publishing and Article 21 of Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP, the procedures for submitting copies to the National Library of Vietnam shall be carried out as follows:

1. For printed publications:

a) Submit through postal service or directly to the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department, Provincial Departments, or the National Library of Vietnam;

b) Each publication submitted for deposit and for the National Library of Vietnam must be accompanied by two (02) deposit declaration forms;

c) For publications of publishers: On the page with the registration confirmation number and the publishing decision number, there must be the stamp of the publisher or the branch of the publisher, and the signature of the publisher's leadership or a person authorized in writing by the publisher's leadership;

d) For non-commercial publications for which the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or Provincial Departments issue a publishing permit: On the page with the publishing permit number, there must be the stamp and signature of the leadership of the agency or organization issuing the publishing permit or a person authorized in writing by the leadership of the agency or organization.

2. For electronic publications:

In addition to implementing the provisions of Clause 1 of Article 21 of Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP, publishers and agencies or organizations issued a publishing permit for non-commercial publications must meet the following requirements:

a) Have a digital certificate issued by a service provider of digital signature verification to submit electronic publications via the Internet and ensure the integrity of the deposited publications and publications submitted to the National Library of Vietnam;

b) In cases where electronic publications are submitted via the Internet, they must follow the guidance on submission methods on the Portal of the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department, Provincial Departments, or the National Library of Vietnam;

c) In cases where electronic publications are stored on data storage devices, they must be sent through postal service or submitted directly to the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department, Provincial Departments, or the National Library of Vietnam.

3. The time of submitting publications for deposit and for the National Library of Vietnam is determined by the receipt acknowledgment of the receiving agency and the National Library of Vietnam on the deposit declaration form.

4. The preservation and use of deposited publications shall be carried out as follows:

The Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department and Provincial Departments are responsible for organizing a repository to preserve deposited publications for a period of twenty-four (24) months for exploitation and use to serve state management work.

At the end of the retention period, the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department and Provincial Departments may transfer deposited publications to other agencies or organizations to serve readers. The transfer of publications must be recorded in a protocol and accompanied by a list of publications.

Chapter III

FIELD OF PUBLISHING PRODUCT PRINTING

Article 13. The procedure for reissuing a printing activity license for publications is prescribed in Clause 5 of Article 32 of the Law on Publishing

1. If the printing activity license for publications is lost or damaged, the printing facility must submit an application for reissuing the license.

In cases where applications are submitted via the Internet, the printing facility must have a digital certificate issued by a service provider of digital signature verification and follow the guidance on the Portal of the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or Provincial Departments regarding online public services.

a) An application for reissuing the license.

b) The original damaged license or a copy of the license (if available) in case of loss.

Article 14. Procedures for changing the printing activity permit for publishing products as stipulated in Clause 6, Article 32 of the Publishing Law||| Clause 6, Article 32 of the Publishing Law

1. Within fifteen days from the date of occurrence of any change as prescribed in Clause 6, Article 32 of the Publishing Law, the printing facility must submit a request to change the printing activity permit for publishing products.

In case of submission via the Internet, the printing facility must have a digital signature certificate issued by a digital signature service provider and follow the guidelines on the electronic portal of the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department regarding online public services.

a) An application for changing the printing activity permit for publishing products;

b) The original printing activity permit for publishing products;

Article 15. Procedures for revoking the printing activity permit for publishing products as specified in Clause 8, Article 32 of the Publishing Law and Clause 3, Article 13 of Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP

1. The procedures for revoking the printing activity permit for publishing products in cases prescribed in Point a and Point b, Clause 8, Article 32 of the Publishing Law, and Point a, Clause 3, Article 13 of Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP shall be carried out as follows:

a) The revocation of the printing activity permit for publishing products must be conducted through specialized inspection and audit work of the Ministry of Information and Communications;

b) The competent authority conducting the inspection and audit at the printing facility shall prepare a record. Within five working days from the date of preparation of the record, the competent authority conducting the inspection and audit shall report to the agency that issued the printing activity permit for publishing products;

c) Within five working days from the date of receipt of the written request from the competent authority as prescribed in Point b of this Clause, the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department must issue a written notice requiring the printing facility to rectify the cause leading to the revocation of the printing activity permit for publishing products within thirty days;

d) At the end of the thirty-day period, if the printing facility fails to rectify the cause leading to the revocation of the printing activity permit for publishing products, the Director of the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department Head must issue a decision to revoke the printing activity permit for publishing products and require the printing facility to return the issued permit.

2. The procedures for revoking the printing activity permit for publishing products in the case prescribed in Point b, Clause 3, Article 13 of Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP:

At the end of six months from the date of issuance of the printing activity permit for publishing products, if the printing facility has not invested sufficient equipment and has not submitted copies of purchase or lease-purchase certificates for such equipment as prescribed in Point c, Clause 2, Article 13 of Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP, the Director of the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department Head must issue a decision to revoke the printing activity permit for publishing products and require the printing facility to return the issued permit.

Article 16. Retention and management of printing job files for publications as prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 35 of the Law on Publishing

The head of the printing facility must organize the retention and management of printing job files for publications for twenty-four months from the date of signing the printing contract. The files to be retained include:

1. For publications of publishers:

a) The original decision on publication issued by the director (general director) of the publisher;

b) The original contract for prepress, printing, and post-printing processing between the printing facility and the publisher;

c) The original proofreading sheet if there is a proofreading sheet attached, and one of the following types of manuscript printed on ordinary paper, on offset paper, on film, or electronic manuscript complying with the provisions of Article 5 of this Circular.

2. For non-commercial materials granted a publishing permit:

a) The original publishing permit for non-commercial materials;

b) The original contract for prepress, printing, and post-printing processing between the printing facility and the agency or organization granted the publishing permit for non-commercial materials;

c) The manuscript printed on ordinary paper stamped by the agency issuing the publishing permit for non-commercial materials.

3. For publications printed for foreign countries:

a) The original permit for printing publications for foreign countries;

b) The manuscript stamped by the agency issuing the permit for printing publications for foreign countries.

4. In cases where cooperation in prepress, printing, and post-printing processing of publications is carried out in accordance with the law, in addition to retaining copies of the printing job files according to each case specified in Clauses 1, 2, and 3 of this Article, the printing facility must also retain the following documents:

a) The original document of the organization or individual having the publication or non-commercial material approving the printing facilities to cooperate in accordance with the law;

b) The original contract for cooperative prepress, printing, and post-printing processing of publications.

Chapter IV

FIELD OF DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHING PRODUCTS

Article 17. Procedures and formalities for registering the operation of distribution of publications as prescribed in Article 37 of the Law on Publishing

1. Fifteen days before commencing operations, the distribution facility which is a business entity or public service unit (hereinafter referred to as the distribution facility) must register its operation of distributing publications according to the cases stipulated in Points a and b of Clause 1 of Article 37 of the Law on Publishing.

In the case of submitting the dossier via the Internet, the distribution facility must have a digital signature certificate issued by a digital signature service provider and follow the guidelines on the e-Government Portal of the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department regarding online public service provision.

a) Application for registration of the operation of distributing publications;

b) Copy (presented with the original for verification) or certified copy of property ownership documents or lease/mortgage agreement for business premises;

c) Copy (presented with the original for verification) or certified copy of household registration book or other documents proving permission to reside in Vietnam issued by competent Vietnamese authorities for the head of the distribution facility;

d) Copy (presented with the original for verification) or certified copy of certificates or training certificates in distribution of publications issued by specialized training institutions for distribution of publications for the head of the distribution facility.

The confirmation of registration of the operation of distributing publications becomes invalid in the event that the distribution facility is merged, split, dissolved, or declared bankrupt.

Article 18. Procedure and formalities for notification and re-registration of publication distribution activities of distribution entities

1. Within ten days at the latest from the date of occurrence of any of the following changes, the distribution entity must notify in writing, accompanied by proof documents regarding the change sent to the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department:

a) Change in organizational form;

b) Change in the head of the distribution entity;

c) Change in the main office location, branch location, or business location within the same province or centrally governed city.

a) Moving the main office or branch to another province or centrally governed city;

b) Establishing or dissolving a branch within the same province or centrally governed city where the main office is located;

c) Establishing or dissolving a branch in a province or centrally governed city where the main office is not located.

Article 19. Documents and methods for registering imported publications for business operations as stipulated in Article 39 of the Law on Publishing

a) Application for registration of imported publications;

b) Three (03) copies of the list of registered imported publications.

3. In case there is a change in information in the list of imported publications that has been confirmed for registration, the importing business entity must submit a report in writing about the changed information, and simultaneously register new information (if any) with the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department for supplementary confirmation of registration.

Article 20. Examination of imported publications not for business purposes suspected of violating laws as stipulated in Clause 5 and Clause 6 of Article 41 of the Law on Publishing

1. In cases where the authority, organization, or individual cannot provide one (01) copy of the publication as the basis for the examination of content to decide on issuing an import permit, the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department shall issue one (01) copy/title of the publication and request the organization or individual importing it to submit for content examination.

If necessary, the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department shall issue additional permits for the minimum number of publications required for content examination.

2. Within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the imported publication for content examination, the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department must establish an examination board. The composition of the board, the number of board members, and the invitation of experts to join the examination board shall be decided by the Director of the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department Director.

3. The examination period for each publication shall not exceed ten days from the date the examination board is established. The examination results shall be documented in writing, clearly stating whether the publication contents violate the Law on Publishing and other related laws.

4. Within five working days from the date of receipt of the examination results of the imported publication, the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department shall review the examination results to issue an import permit; if the import permit for the publication is not issued, the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department must provide a written response specifying the reasons, including requiring the organization or individual to re-export or destroy the publication that was issued an import permit under Clause 1 of this Article.

Chapter V

REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE IN VIETNAM OF FOREIGN PUBLISHERS AND FOREIGN PUBLICATION DISTRIBUTORS

Article 21. Adjusting and supplementing information in the establishment permit for representative offices when there is a change

1. Within the latest five working days from the date of change in the location of the headquarters, the representative office must submit a report on the change to the authority issuing the establishment permit.

The application dossier for adjusting and supplementing information in the establishment permit for the representative office shall be compiled into one (01) set in Vietnamese (in case the dossier is in a foreign language, it must have a certified translation into Vietnamese), submitted directly or through postal service to the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department, including:

a) A request form for adjusting and supplementing information in the permit;

b) The original Establishment Permit for the representative office;

c) Certified copy or copy presented with the original for verification of the following documents: university degree certificate or higher, criminal record sheet, and household registration book or other documents proving permission to reside permanently in Vietnam issued by competent Vietnamese authorities for the head of the representative office.

Article 22. Responsibilities of the representative office

1. Operate according to the contents recorded in the establishment permit for the representative office issued by the Ministry of Information and Communications.

2. Not act as a representative for foreign publishers or other organizations distributing foreign publications.

3. Not establish, participate in capital contribution to establish a business or directly perform work generating profit in Vietnam.

4. Cease operations when the foreign publisher or organization distributing foreign publications ceases operations, dissolves, or goes bankrupt abroad.

5. Publicly post at the headquarters of the representative office regarding cessation of operations, and simultaneously send a written notice about cessation of operations to the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Department, and related agencies, organizations, and individuals at least fifteen days before the cessation date.

6. Comply with the provisions of the Law on Publishing, Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP, this Circular, and other relevant Vietnamese laws concerning representative offices.

Chapter VI

PUBLISHING AND DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRONIC PUBLICATIONS

Article 23. Technical solutions for digital copyright control in the activities of publishing and distributing electronic publications as stipulated in Point d Clause 3 Article 17 of Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP

Publishers and organizations, individuals distributing electronic publications must meet the conditions regarding technical solutions for digital copyright control in the activities of publishing and distributing electronic publications as stipulated in Point d Clause 3 Article 17 of Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP:

1. Have technical equipment and software to prevent unauthorized intervention, alteration, and illegal copying of part or all of the content of electronic publications.

2. Implement technical measures to verify the legality of users when accessing and using electronic publications and ensure privacy, security, and protection of personal information.

3. Include terms informing users of their responsibility to comply with the law on publishing and intellectual property before accessing and using electronic publications.

Article 24. Responsibilities for reviewing project proposals and confirming registration for publishing and distributing electronic publications as stipulated in Article 18 of Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP

1. Within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the project proposal for publishing and distributing electronic publications submitted by publishers, organizations, or individuals in accordance with Point a, Clause 1, Article 18 of Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP, the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department shall be responsible for examining the suitability and the ability to meet the conditions prescribed in Article 17 of Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP reflected in the project proposal and provide a written review opinion. If the project proposal does not conform to the model or lacks information according to the prescribed model, it must be returned for the publisher, organization, or individual to supplement and complete.

2. Within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the registration dossier for publishing and distributing electronic publications, the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department shall be responsible for checking the fulfillment of the conditions in the project proposal based on the review opinion and issue a written confirmation of registration for publishing and distributing electronic publications to the publisher, organization, or individual; if registration is not confirmed, a written response stating the reasons must be provided.

Article 25. Digital format for electronic publications as stipulated in Point c, Clause 2, Article 19 of Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP

1. The digital format of electronic publications must meet the following requirements:

a) Compatible with common electronic devices and comply with current technical standards and regulations;

b) The format allows for establishing anti-interference, anti-modification, and anti-illegal copying capabilities for part or all of the content of the electronic publication.

2. Publishers and organizations distributing electronic publications are responsible for providing detailed information and the structure of the digital format to the state management agency for publishing activities upon request.

Article 26. Digital format for electronic publications submitted for record-keeping in data storage devices or through the Internet

The digital format for electronic publications submitted for record-keeping in data storage devices or through the Internet as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 21 of Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP is as follows:

1. The file format of electronic publications presented in the form of printed books, calendars is "PDF"; in the form of paintings, photographs, maps, posters, loose sheets, folded sheets is "JPEG"; in the form of audio recordings that replace books or illustrate books is "MP3"; in the form of video recordings that replace books or illustrate books is "MP4";

2. Converting other formats of electronic publications to the formats prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article must ensure that the content of the electronic publication is not altered.

Chapter VII

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

This Circular issues along with it 01 appendix containing 53 forms and templates to be uniformly applied in publishing activities.

Article 28. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from April 1, 2020.

2. The following legal normative documents shall cease to be effective from the date this Circular takes effect:

a) Circular No. 23/2014/TT-BTTTT dated December 29, 2014, issued by the Minister of Information and Communications detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Publishing and Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP dated November 21, 2013, issued by the Government detailing certain provisions and measures to implement the Law on Publishing;

b) Circular No. 42/2017/TT-BTTTT dated December 29, 2017, issued by the Minister of Information and Communications amending and supplementing certain provisions of Circular No. 23/2014/TT-BTTTT dated December 29, 2014, issued by the Minister of Information and Communications detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Publishing and Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP dated November 21, 2013, issued by the Government detailing certain provisions and measures to implement the Law on Publishing.

3. During the implementation process, in case of any difficulties, agencies, organizations, or individuals are requested to report in writing to the Ministry of Information and Communications (through the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department) for consideration and resolution./.