MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION COMMUNICATION --------	SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM Independence - Freedom - Happiness ---------------
Number: 01/VBHN-BTTTT	Hanoi, on 05 the 4 year 2024

CIRCULAR

REGULATIONS DETAILING AND GUIDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE PUBLICATION LAW AND DECREE NO. 195/2013/ND-CP DATED NOVEMBER 21, 2013 OF THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDING DETAILED PROVISIONS ON CERTAIN PROVISIONS AND MEASURES TO IMPLEMENT THE PUBLICATION LAW

Circular No. 01/2020/TT-BTTTT dated February 7, 2020 of the Minister of Information and Communications detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Publication Law and Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP dated November 21, 2013 of the Government providing detailed provisions on certain provisions and measures to implement the Publication Law, which took effect from May 1, 2024, was amended and supplemented by:

Circular No. 23/2023/TT-BTTTT dated December 31, 2023 of the Minister of Information and Communications amending and supplementing certain provisions of Circular No. 01/2020/TT-BTTTT dated February 7, 2020 detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Publication Law and Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP dated November 21, 2013 of the Government providing detailed provisions on certain provisions and measures to implement the Publication Law, which took effect from May 1, 2024.

Pursuant to the Publication Law dated November 20, 2012;

Pursuant to Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP of November 21, 2013 of the Government providing guidelines for implementation of certain provisions of the Publication Law;

Pursuant to Decree No. 150/2018/ND-CP dated November 7, 2018 of the Government amending some Decrees related to investment conditions and administrative procedures in the field of information and communications;

Pursuant to Decree No. 17/2017/NĐ-CP dated February 17, 2017, issued by the Government, on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Information and Communications;

At the proposal of the Director of the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department,

The Minister of Information and Communications issues this Circular detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Publication Law and Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP dated November 21, 2013 of the Government providing detailed provisions on certain provisions and measures to implement the Publication Law[1].

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular details and guides the implementation of certain provisions of the Publication Law and Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP dated November 21, 2013 of the Government providing detailed provisions on certain provisions and measures to implement the Publication Law (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP) regarding organization and activities in the fields of publication, printing, distribution of publications, and electronic publication and distribution.

Article 2. Periodic reporting regime prescribed in Clause 1 and Clause 2, Article 5 of Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP

[2]

1. Agencies, organizations, individuals prescribed in Clause 1 and Clause 2, Article 5 of Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP shall implement the periodic reporting regime in publication activities according to the provisions of Circular No. 02/2023/TT-BTTTT dated March 21, 2023 of the Minister of Information and Communications stipulating the periodic reporting regime within the scope of management under the Ministry of Information and Communications. 2. Departments of Information and Communications or specialized agencies assigned by the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities to manage state administration over publication activities (hereinafter referred to as "Departments"),

central and local printing establishments shall combine the content of reports on printing activities for publications with printing activities for non-publication products in the same report and implement according to the provisions at: a) Clause 3, Article 1 of Decree No. 25/2018/ND-CP dated February 28, 2018 of the Government amending and supplementing some articles of Decree No. 60/2014/ND-CP dated June 19, 2014 of the Government on printing activities;

b) Model numbers 13, 15a, 15b, and 15c attached to Decree No. 72/2022/ND-CP dated October 4, 2022 of the Government amending and supplementing some articles of Decree No. 60/2014/ND-CP dated June 19, 2014 of the Government on printing activities and Decree No. 25/2018/ND-CP dated February 28, 2018 of the Government amending and supplementing some articles of Decree No. 60/2014/ND-CP dated June 19, 2014 of the Government on printing activities.

b) The models numbered 13, 15a, 15b, and 15c attached to the Decree No. 72/2022/NĐ-CP dated October 4, 2022 of the Government amending and supplementing certain Articles of Decree No. 60/2014/NĐ-CP dated June 19, 2014 of the Government on printing activities and Decree No. 25/2018/NĐ-CP dated February 28, 2018 of the Government amending and supplementing certain Articles of Decree No. 60/2014/NĐ-CP dated June 19, 2014 of the Government on printing activities.

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 Committee of provinces and centrally governed cities (hereinafter referred to as the provincial-level People's Committee) 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 completed manuscripts before printing as stipulated in Point e Clause 1 Article 18 of the Law on Publishing

1. Manuscripts printed on regular paper; manuscripts printed on offset 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 approval for printing.

2. Method of signing off on manuscripts by the director (general manager) of the publisher:

a) For manuscripts of publications that are books printed on regular paper, the director (general manager) of the publisher shall sign and stamp on the front cover (page 1), back cover (page 4), and the page recording the registration number for publication or sign on the manuscript approval form which has been signed by the chief editor and editor of the publisher, and affix a counterfoil stamp on the approval form attached to the manuscript.

b) For manuscripts of publications that are not books printed on regular paper, on offset paper, on film, and electronic manuscripts, the director (general manager) of the publisher shall sign on the manuscript approval form after it has been signed by the chief editor and editor of the publisher.

Article 6. Procedures, steps, and methods for revoking and reissuing the certificate of practice for editors

1. The procedures, steps, and methods for revoking the certificate of practice for editors as prescribed in Clause 3 Article 20 of the Law on Publishing shall be carried out as follows:

a) The determination of the editor falling under the circumstances for revocation of the certificate of practice for editors 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 certificate of practice for editors.

c) From the date of the decision to revoke the certificate of practice for editors, the editor shall not engage in editing manuscripts, be named on publications, and shall be responsible for returning the certificate of practice for editors to the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department.

2.[3] The procedures, steps, and methods for reissuing the certificate of practice for editors as prescribed in Clause 4 Article 20 of the Law on Publishing shall be carried out as follows:

a) After two years from the date of revocation of the certificate of practice for editors, the editor may request the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department to reissue the certificate of practice for editors. The application for reissuance of the certificate of practice for editors according to Form No. 05 shall be submitted directly or through postal services or online public service systems to the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department.

b) Within seven working days from the date of receipt of complete files, the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department shall complete the reissuance of the certificate of practice for editors; in cases where the certificate is not reissued, a written response explaining the reasons must be provided.

3.[4] The procedures, steps, and methods for reissuing the certificate of practice for editors as prescribed in Clause 5 Article 20 of the Law on Publishing shall be carried out as follows:

a) Within fifteen days from the date the certificate of practice for editors is lost or damaged, the editor must submit an application for reissuance of the certificate of practice for editors according to Form No. 05 directly or through postal services or online public service systems to the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department.

b) Within five working days from the date of receipt of complete files, the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department shall complete the reissuance of the certificate of practice for editors; in cases where the certificate is not reissued, a written response explaining the reasons must be provided.

Article 7. The basic content of the joint publishing contract is stipulated in Point b Clause 3 Article 23 of the Publishing Law.

In addition to the information required by the law on contracts, the joint publishing contract between the publisher and the joint publishing partner stipulated in Point b Clause 3 Article 23 of the Publishing Law must include the following information:

1. Name and address of the publisher, joint publishing partner.

2. Name of the publication, name of the author.

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

4. Responsibility of the publisher or joint publishing partner to have the Author's or Copyright Owner's approval for using the work or material for publication or reprinting, and to fulfill obligations and rights as prescribed by the intellectual property law.

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

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

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

1. The registration confirmation number is issued for each publication and recorded in the registration confirmation certificate. The publisher 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 following the year of registration confirmation, the publisher must report to the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department the list of publication titles that have been issued registration confirmation numbers but not published.

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

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

1. The publisher must have a digital signature certificate issued by a service provider to carry out online registration of publications.

2. The publisher must declare 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 non-commercial publication permit as stipulated in Article 12 of Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP

1.[5] The application documents for a non-commercial publication permit are submitted directly, sent through postal services, or via the online public service system to the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department.

2. The agency or organization applying for a non-commercial publication permit must prepare one (01) set of documents, including:

a) An application form for the permit;

b) Two (02) printed drafts of the document on paper stamped by the agency or organization applying for 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 case of a non-commercial publication in electronic form, submit one (01) electronic draft with the digital signature of the head of the agency or organization applying for the publication permit;

For foreign language or ethnic minority language documents, a Vietnamese translation must be attached, stamped by the agency or organization applying for 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 book publications:

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

b) Page numbers must be recorded;

c) When using the National Emblem or National Flag images, they must comply with relevant legal provisions;

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

đ) The phrases "CONFIDENTIAL", "TOP SECRET", or "SECRET" must be printed on the title page for books containing state secrets as prescribed by the Law on Safeguarding State Secrets, and only the declaration form for retention shall be submitted as stipulated in 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 framework, the name of the person revising the print version, the number of prints, the name and address of the printing facility;

b) The position for recording the registration confirmation number for publication shall be the interface at the beginning or the initial part 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 bottom right corner of the first page or last page;

b) For block calendars, sheet calendars:

The day, week, month, and year of the Gregorian calendar must correspond accurately with 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 publishing house decides to select other information from the Calendar Table and additional information to print on the calendar, ensuring accuracy, appropriateness with Vietnamese customs and traditions, clear source annotations for data, and not recording advisory information 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 three-quarters of 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 publishing house, the registration confirmation number, the publication decision number, the print quantity, the framework, the name and address of the printing facility, and the name and address of the partner (if any) must be recorded on the outer cover for block calendars, and in the bottom right corner of the December sheet for sheet calendars;

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

d) For audio and video recordings that replace or illustrate books (including: CDs, CD-ROMs, cassette tapes, video tapes, other data storage devices): The registration confirmation number for publication and the license number for non-commercial publication materials shall be recorded as follows: On the label affixed to the surface of the CD, CD-ROM, and the outside of the CD case; on the label affixed to the outside of the cassette tape, video tape, 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 the International Standard Book Number; in case there are amendments, supplements, or replacements to Circular No. 05/2016/TT-BTTTT, it shall be implemented according to the new regulations.

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

In addition to the provisions of Articles 28 and 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 via 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 to 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 materials approved by the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or Provincial Departments: 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 granted permits to publish non-commercial materials must meet the following requirements:

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

b) In the case of submitting electronic publications through the Internet, it must be done according to the guidance on submission methods on the website of the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department, Provincial Departments, or the National Library of Vietnam;

c) If electronic publications are stored in data storage devices, they must be sent via 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 submitting publications to the National Library of Vietnam is determined by the receipt acknowledgment of the receiving authority and the National Library of Vietnam on the deposit declaration form.

4. The preservation and utilization 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 preservation 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 as stipulated 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 reissuance of the license.

2.[6] The application for reissuance of a printing activity license for publications must be submitted directly or via postal service or through the online public service system to the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or Provincial Departments.

3.[7] The application for reissuance of a printing activity license for publications is in Form No. 18.

4.[8] Within five (05) working days from the date of receipt of all required documents, the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or Provincial Departments must issue a new printing activity license for publications; if the license is not reissued, a written response stating the reasons must be provided.

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

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

2.[9] The application for changing the printing activity permit for publishing products shall be submitted directly or through postal services or online public service systems to the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Department.

3.[10] The application consists of one (01) set, including:

a) Application form ||| for changing the printing activity permit for publishing products according to Form No. 18;

b) In case of change in the production premises address, the printing facility for publishing products must attach a copy of the land use right certificate or lease contract or other types of documents proving the allocation or leasing of land or premises.

4. Within five working days from the date of receiving all necessary documents, the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Department must issue a changed printing activity permit for publishing products; if the permit is not issued, a written response stating the reasons must be provided.

5.[11] When there is a change in the head of the facility, the printing facility for publishing products must comply with the provisions of Clause 7, Article 32 of the Publishing Law; in cases where the printing facility for publishing products requests a change in the printing activity permit, the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Department has the responsibility to issue a changed printing activity permit for publishing products.

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

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

a) The revocation of the printing activity permit for publishing products must be conducted through specialized inspections and audits by the Ministry of Information and Communications;developmentinspection, specialized inspection of Information and Communications;

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

c) Within five working days from the date of receiving the written request from the competent authority as specified in Point b of this Clause, the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the 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 Head of the Department must issue a decision to revoke the printing activity permit for publishing products and require the printing facility to return the issued permit.

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

After six months from the date of issuance of the printing activity permit for publishing products, if the printing facility does not invest sufficient equipment and does not submit a copy of the purchase or lease-purchase receipt for the equipment as required in Point c of Clause 2, Article 13 of Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP, the Director of the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Head of the Department 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 stipulated in Clause 1, Article 35 of the Publishing Law

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 publishing permits:

a) The original permit for publishing 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 prepress, printing, and post-printing processing are carried out according to legal regulations, in addition to retaining copies of the printing job files as 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 publications or non-commercial materials approving cooperation with printing facilities under legal regulations;

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

5.[12] (amended and supplemented by Law No. 87/2025/QH15; (repealed)

6.[13] The printing job files for publications as specified in Clauses 1 through 4 of this Article, the printing facility must retain the originals fully in paper form, except when the original is an electronic version, it should be retained electronically (stored on data storage devices, computers, or other forms) ensuring ease of access and retrieval when necessary or upon request for inspection or audit work.

Chapter IV

FIELD OF DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLISHING PRODUCTS

Article 17. Procedures and formalities for registering activities of publication distribution as stipulated in Article 37 of the Publishing Law

1. Fifteen days before commencing operations, the entityin distributing publications which is a business enterprise or a public service unit (hereinafter referred to as the distribution entity) must register its distribution activity of publicationsrime Minister caccording to the cases specified in Point a and Point b of Clause 1 of Article 37 of the Publishing Law.

2.[14] The registration dossier for publication distribution activities shall be submitted directly or via services postal services or through online public service systems to the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department.

3.[15] The dossier shall be prepared in one (01) set (except in cases where the interconnection of specialized databases among ministries, sectors, localities has been completed, the distribution entity of publications does not need to submit the components of the dossier as specified in Points b, c, and d of this Clause), b) Explanation and calculation of cost components and profit of Electricity Corporation i, including:

4. For investment projects specified in Clause 5, Article 38 of this Decree:on request registration/re-register the distribution activity of publicationsrime Minister cGranite, gabbro, decorative stone... according to Form No. 35;

b) A copy of the ownership certificate of the premises or lease/mortgage agreement for premises used as a business location;

c) A copy of the document proving permission to reside permanently in Vietnam issued by the competent authority of Vietnam for the head of the distribution entity who holds foreign nationality;

d) A copy of the qualification certificate or training certificate in knowledge and skills related to publication distribution issued by a specialized training institution for publication distribution.

In cases where the dossier is submitted through online public services, the components of the dossier as specified in Points b, c, and d of this Clause shall be certified electronic copies.

4.[16] Within five working days from the date of receiving the complete dossier, the Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department must issue a confirmation certificate for the registration of publication distribution activities; in cases where a confirmation certificate for the registration of publication distribution activities is not issued, a written response stating the reasons must be provided.

The confirmation certificate for the registration of publication distribution activities loses its validity in cases where the distribution entity of publications undergoes merger, division, dissolution, or bankruptcy.

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 to be 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.

2.[17] Within ten days at the latest from the date of occurrence of any of the following changes, the publication distribution entity must complete the procedures for re-registering publication distribution activities according to the procedures and formalities as prescribed in Article 17 of this Circular:

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;

d) The certificate of registration for publication distribution activities is lost or damaged.

3.[18] When there is one or more changes as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article, the publication distribution entity must send a written notice to the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department; in the case where the publication distribution entity requests issuance of a new certificate of registration for publication distribution activities, the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department will accept the application and process it according to the provisions of Clauses 2, 3, and 4 of Article 17 of this Circular.

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

1.[19] The documents for registering imported publications for business include:

a) An import registration form for publications according to Form No. 26;

b) Three (03) copies of the list of publications registered for importation in cases of direct submission or submission through postal services; one (01) copy (file) of the list of publications registered for importation in cases of online submission via the National Single Window Portal.

2.[20] The documents for registering imported publications for business can be submitted directly, through postal services, or online via the instructions on the National Single Window Portal to the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department.

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

Article 20. Examination of imported publications not for business that show signs of violating laws as stipulated in Clauses 5 and 6 of Article 41 of the Law on Publishing

1. In the case where an agency, organization, or individual cannot provide one (01) copy of the publication for content examination as the basis for issuing an import permit, the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department issues an import permit for one (01) copy/title of the publication and requires the importing organization or individual to submit it for content examination.

If necessary, the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department or the Provincial Department may 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 publications 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, clearly stating whether the publication contents violate the Law on Publishing and other relevant laws.

4. Within five working days from the date of receipt of the examination results of the imported publications, 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 detailing the reasons, including requiring the organization or individual to re-export or destroy the imported publication as specified in Clause 1 of this Article.

Chapter V

THE VIETNAM REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE OF FOREIGN PUBLISHERS, FOREIGN PUBLICATION DISTRIBUTION ORGANIZATIONS

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.

2.[21] Within the latest five working days from the date of any change in the head, name, scope of activities, the representative office must complete procedures to request adjustment and supplementation of information in the establishment permit.

The application dossier for adjusting and supplementing information in the establishment permit for the representative office shall be prepared in one (01) set in Vietnamese (in case the dossier is in a foreign language, it must include a certified translation into Vietnamese), submitted directly or through postal services or online public service system to the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department. 2. Curriculum vitae certified by the People's Committee of the commune where they permanently reside or the organization, institution, unit where they work;

a) Application form for adjusting and supplementing information in the permit according to Form No. 40;

b) Copy of the establishment permit for the representative office;

c) Copy of the bachelor's degree or other higher education certificates of the head of the representative office.

In case the head of the representative office has foreign nationality, they must also submit a copy of the document proving permission to reside permanently in Vietnam issued by the competent authority of Vietnam (once the specialized database interconnection between ministries, sectors, and localities is completed, submission of the document proving permission to reside permanently in Vietnam stipulated herein is not required).

3.[22] Within seven working days from the date of receiving the complete dossier, the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Department shall be responsible for confirming the changed information in the establishment permit for the representative office; in case of non-confirmation, a written response stating the reasons must be provided.

Article 22. Responsibilities of the representative office

1. Operate in accordance with 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 foreign publication distribution organizations.

3. Not establish, participate in capital contribution to establish enterprises or directly perform profit-making activities in Vietnam.

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

5. Publicly announce at the headquarters of the representative office about the cessation of operations, and simultaneously send a notification letter regarding the 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 laws of Vietnam 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 prescribed 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 prescribed in Point d Clause 3 Article 17 of Decree No. 195/2013/ND-CP:

1. Have 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 laws 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 on 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 specified 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 prescribed format or lacks required information, it must be returned to the publisher, organization, or individual for supplementation and completion.

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 compliance with the conditions set out in the project proposal according to 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 capabilities to prevent unauthorized intervention, alteration, and illegal copying of part or all of the content of the electronic publication.

2. Publishers, organizations, or individuals distributing electronic publications shall be 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 deposit in data storage devices or through the Internet

The digital format for electronic publications submitted for deposit 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 pictures, maps, posters, loose sheets, folded sheets is "JPEG"; in the form of audio recordings that replace or illustrate books is "MP3"; in the form of video recordings that replace or illustrate books is "MP4";

2. Converting the digital format of electronic publications to the prescribed format under Clause 1 of this Article must ensure that the content of the electronic publication remains unchanged.

Chapter VII

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

[23]

Article 27.

[24]

(Repealed)

Article 28. Effective Date

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

2. The following legal normative documents 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.`Article of the Publishing Law and Decree No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP dated November 21, 2013 of the Government detailing certain provisions and measures for implementing the Publishing Law.

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./.

Place of Receipt: - Office of the Government (to publish in the Official Gazette and post on the Government Portal); - Ministry of Information and Communications: Minister, Deputy Ministers, units under the Ministry; - Ministry of Information and Communications Portal (for posting); - To be filed: VT, CXBIPH, NTHL.

CERTIFIED CONSOLIDATED DOCUMENT THE MINISTER Nguyen Manh Hung

ANNEX

[25]

(Repealed)

LIST OF 45 FORMS AND SAMPLES

[26]

Form No. 01	Application for a license to establish a publisher
Form No. 02	Project proposal for establishing a publisher
Implementation Report of Production Projects of Supporting Industry Products Confirmed with Incentives	License to establish a publisher
Form number 04	Application for renewal of a license to establish a publisher
Form number 05	Application for issuance/reissuance of a certificate of practice as an editor
Form number 06	Curriculum vitae
Form No. 07	Registration for publication
Form No. 08	Certificate of practice as an editor
Form No. 09	Confirmation of registration for publication
Form No. 10	Manuscript approval form
Form No. 11	Decision on publication/republication of a publication
Form No. 12	Declaration of submission of publications for deposit and submission to the National Library of Vietnam
Model Number 13	Decision on distribution of publications
Model No. 14	Application for a license to publish non-commercial materials
Model Number 15	License to publish non-commercial materials
Model Number 16	Approval for the use of works and materials for publication or republication
Model Number 17	Application for a printing business license
Model Number 18	Application for renewal/reissuance of a printing business license
Model Number 19	Printing business license
Model Number 20	Application for a license to print foreign publications
Model Number 21	License to print foreign publications
Model Number 22	Application for issuance/reissuance of a license for the import of publications
Form No. 23	Certificate of completion of legal knowledge and professional training courses in the fields of publishing, printing, and distribution of publications
Form No. 24	List of staff reviewing imported book contents
Form No. 25	License for the import of publications for commercial purposes
Form No. 26	Application for registration of imported publications for commercial purposes
Form No. 27	Catalogue of imported publications for commercial purposes
Form No. 28	Confirmation of registration for importing publications for commercial purposes
Form No. 29	Application for a license to import non-commercial publications
Form No. 30	Catalogue of non-commercial imported publications
Form No. 31	License to import non-commercial publications
Form No. 32	Application for a license to organize exhibitions/fairs of publications
Form No. 33	Catalogue of publications for exhibitions/fairs
Form No. 34	License to organize exhibitions/fairs of publications
Form No. 35	Application for registration/re-registration of distribution of publications
Form No. 36	Confirmation of registration/re-registration of distribution of publications
Form No. 37	Decision on establishment of the Content Review Board for imported publications for commercial purposes
Form No. 38	Minutes of content review for imported publications
Form No. 39	Application for Issuing/Renewing a License to Establish a Representative Office in Vietnam
Form No. 40	Application for Amending and Supplementing Information in a License to Establish a Representative Office in Vietnam
Form No. 41	Application for Extending a License to Establish a Representative Office in Vietnam
Form No. 42	License for Foreign Publishers and Organizations to Establish a Representative Office in Vietnam for Publishing Products (Attached Appendix) Form No. 43
Application for Registering Publishing/Electronic Publishing Activities	Form No. 44
Project on Publishing/Electronic Publishing Activities	Form No. 45
Certificate of Registration for Publishing/Electronic Publishing Activities	Circular No. 23/2023/TT-BTTTT dated December 31, 2023, issued by the Minister of Information and Communications amending and supplementing some articles of Circular No. 01/2020/TT-BTTTT dated February 7, 2020, issued by the Minister of Information and Communications

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