Circular No. 41/2020/TT-BTTTT provides detailed regulations and guidelines for issuing licenses for printed newspapers and magazines, electronic newspapers and magazines, additional publications, implementing two types of media, opening special sections of electronic newspapers and magazines, publishing supplements, publishing newsletters, and publishing special issues.

CIRCULAR

Detailed regulations and guidance on issuing licenses for printed newspapers,

printed magazines, online newspapers, and online magazines, additional publication of publications,

implementing two types of media, opening special sections of online newspapers and

online magazines, publishing supplements, publishing newsletters, publishing special issues

 

 Pursuant to the Press Law dated April 5, 2016;

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 Press Department;

The Minister of Information and Communications issues this Circular providing detailed regulations and guidance and guiding the issuance of licenses for printed newspapers, printed magazines and online newspapers, online magazines, additional publication of publications, implementing two types of media, opening special sections of online newspapers and online magazines, publishing supplements, publishing newsletters, publishing special issues.

 

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular provides detailed regulations and guidance on issuing licenses for printed newspapers, printed magazines, online newspapers, online magazines, additional publication of publications, implementing two types of media, opening special sections of online newspapers and online magazines, publishing supplements, publishing newsletters, and publishing special issues as stipulated in Articles 18, 20, 29, 31, 34, and 35 of the Press Law.

Article 2. Subjects Requesting Licenses

1. Subjects established as press agencies as provided in Article 14 of the Press Law and meeting the conditions set forth in Article 17 of the Press Law may request licenses for printed newspapers, printed magazines, online newspapers, online magazines, additional publication of publications, implementing two types of media, and opening special sections of online newspapers and online magazines.

2. Agencies and organizations specified in Clause 3 of Article 34 of the Press Law may request licenses to publish newsletters.

3. Agencies and organizations specified in Clause 2 of Article 35 and Clause 1 of Article 56 of the Press Law may request licenses to publish special issues.

Article 3. Licensing Authority

1. The Minister of Information and Communications shall issue:

a) License for printed newspaper operations;

b) License for printed magazine operations;

c) License for additional publication of press publications;

d) License to amend and supplement provisions recorded in the license for printed newspaper operations/printed magazine operations/additional publication of press publications;

đ) License for online newspaper operations;

e) License for online magazine operations;

g) License to amend and supplement provisions recorded in the license for online newspaper operations/online magazine operations;

h) License for printed newspaper and online newspaper operations;

i) License for printed magazine and online magazine operations;

k) License to amend and supplement provisions recorded in the license for printed newspaper and online newspaper operations/printed magazine and online magazine operations.

2. The Director of the Press Department shall issue:

a) License for publication of supplements;

b) License for opening special sections of online newspapers/online magazines;

c) License to amend and supplement provisions recorded in the license for publication of supplements/opening special sections of online newspapers/opening special sections of online magazines;

d) License for publication of newsletters for central agencies, foreign representative offices, and foreign organizations in Vietnam;

đ) License for publication of special issues.

3. Provincial People's Committees or heads of provincial specialized agencies authorized to issue licenses shall issue licenses for publication of newsletters for agencies and organizations at the provincial level and centrally-administered municipalities.

Article 4. Receiving and Examining Applications

1. Within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the application, the licensing authority shall examine the validity of the application. In cases where the application is incomplete, the licensing authority shall notify the agency or organization submitting the application about the need to supplement and complete the application.

2. The time for considering the issuance of a license shall be calculated from the date the licensing authority receives a complete and valid application from the requesting agency or organization.

Chapter II
ISSUING LICENSES FOR PRINTED NEWSPAPERS, PRINTED MAGAZINES, ADDITIONAL PUBLICATION OF PRESS PUBLICATIONS, AND PUBLISHING SUPPLEMENTS

Article 5. Documents and procedures for issuing a license to operate a printed newspaper

1. The agency or organization requesting a license to operate a printed newspaper shall submit one set of documents to the Ministry of Information and Communications. The documents include:

a) A form requesting issuance of a license to operate a printed newspaper (Form No. 01);

b) A proposal on operating a printed newspaper (signed by the authorized person and stamped or electronically signed by the agency or organization requesting the license) and accompanying documents, including the following contents: The necessity and legal basis; a description of compliance with all conditions stipulated in Article 17 of the Press Law; the structure and main content of the publication; the publishing process and content management;

c) A list of proposed personnel for the printed newspaper (Form No. 03);

d) A resume of the proposed chief editor (Form No. 04);

đ) A sample presentation of the name of the printed newspaper with confirmation from the agency or organization requesting the license.

2. Within ninety days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall issue a license to operate a printed newspaper (Form No. 12); in case of refusal, it must notify in writing and specify the reasons.

Article 6. Documents and procedures for issuing a license to operate a printed magazine

1. The agency or organization requesting a license to operate a printed magazine shall submit one set of documents to the Ministry of Information and Communications. The documents include:

a) A form requesting issuance of a license to operate a printed magazine (Form No. 02);

b) A proposal on operating a printed magazine (signed by the authorized person and stamped or electronically signed by the agency or organization requesting the license) and accompanying documents, including the following contents: The necessity and legal basis; a description of compliance with all conditions stipulated in Article 17 of the Press Law; the structure and main content of the publication, clearly showing the specialized information content, industry-specific content, introduction and publication of scientific research results, participation in policy advisory and critique within the functional and mission scope of the agency or organization requesting the license; the publishing process and content management;

c) A list of proposed personnel for the printed magazine (Form No. 03);

d) A resume of the proposed chief editor (Form No. 04);

đ) A sample presentation of the name of the printed magazine with confirmation from the agency or organization requesting the license, where the name of the printed magazine clearly includes the term "magazine" in a font size at least one-third the size of the magazine's name;

2. Within ninety days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall issue a license to operate a printed magazine (Form No. 13); in case of refusal, it must notify in writing and specify the reasons.

Article 7. Changes to the content recorded in the license to operate a printed newspaper or magazine

1. The press agency changing the content recorded in the license to operate a printed newspaper or magazine according to Clause 1, Article 20 of the Press Law must send a notification letter to the Press Bureau and the provincial competent authority (for press agencies under the management of the People's Committee of the province) no later than five days from the date of change.

2. When making changes according to Clause 2, Article 20 of the Press Law, the managing agency of the press must submit one set of documents to request the Ministry of Information and Communications to amend and supplement the license. The documents include:

a) A request letter from the managing agency of the press;

b) A report evaluating the implementation of the press agency's objectives and purposes according to the license (in cases of changing the objectives and purposes);

c) A sample presentation of the name of the press agency (in cases of changing the name of the press agency), a sample presentation of the name of the press publication (in cases of changing the name of the press publication), confirmed by the managing agency of the press; meeting the conditions stipulated in Point đ, Clause 1, Article 6 of this Circular (for printed magazines).

 Within twenty days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall be responsible for examining and resolving the issuance of the license (Form No. 14); in case of refusal, it must notify in writing and specify the reasons.

3. When making changes according to Clause 3, Article 20 of the Press Law, the managing agency of the press sends one set of documents to request the Ministry of Information and Communications to approve the change. The documents include:

a) A request letter from the managing agency of the press;

b) A sample presentation of the name of the press publication proposed to be changed, confirmed by the managing agency of the press (in cases of changing the format or position of the press publication name).

Within twenty days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall be responsible for examining and resolving the approval in writing; in case of non-approval, it must notify in writing and specify the reasons.

Article 8. Documents and Procedures for Issuing and Amending Content in Publishing Additional Print Media Publications Permits

1. Print media agencies meeting the conditions stipulated in Article 30 of the Press Law that wish to publish additional print media publications shall submit one set of documents to the Ministry of Information and Communications. The documents include:

a) A request letter from the managing agency of the press;

b) A form requesting issuance of a permit for publishing additional print media publications (Form No. 05);

c) A proposal for publishing additional print media publications (signed by an authorized person and stamped or electronically signed by the print media agency's management), along with accompanying documents, including the following contents: necessity and legal basis; explanation of compliance with all conditions specified in Article 30 of the Press Law; structure and main content of the print media publication, including compliance with the conditions specified in point b, clause 1, Article 6 of this Circular for printed magazines;

d) A sample layout of the name of the print media publication confirmed by the print media agency's management; compliance with the conditions specified in point d, clause 1, Article 6 of this Circular (for printed magazines).

Within twenty days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall be responsible for issuing a permit for publishing additional print media publications (Form No. 15); in case of refusal, it must notify in writing and specify the reasons.

2. Amendments to the contents recorded in the permit for publishing additional print media publications shall be carried out as prescribed in clauses 2 and 3 of Article 7 of this Circular.

Article 9. Documents and Procedures for Issuing and Amending Content in Publishing Supplement Permits

1. Print media agencies meeting the conditions stipulated in Article 30 of the Press Law that wish to publish supplements shall submit one set of documents to the Press Department. The documents include:

a) A request letter from the managing agency of the press;

b) A form requesting issuance of a permit for publishing supplements (Form No. 05);

c) A proposal for publishing supplements (signed by an authorized person and stamped or electronically signed by the print media agency's management) along with accompanying documents, including the following contents: necessity and legal basis; explanation of compliance with all conditions specified in Article 30 of the Press Law; structure and main content of the supplement;

d) A sample layout of the name of the supplement confirmed by the print media agency's management.

Within twenty days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the Press Department shall be responsible for issuing a permit for publishing supplements (Form No. 16); in case of refusal, it must notify in writing and specify the reasons.

2. When changing contents as prescribed in clause 2, Article 20 of the Press Law, the print media agency's management must submit one set of documents requesting the Press Department to amend and supplement the permit. The documents include:

a) A request letter from the managing agency of the press;

b) A report evaluating the implementation of the objectives and purposes according to the supplement's permit (in cases of changing objectives and purposes);

c) A sample layout of the name of the supplement confirmed by the print media agency's management (in cases of changing the name of the supplement).

Within twenty days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the Press Department shall be responsible for examining and resolving the issuance of the permit (Form No. 21); in case of refusal, it must notify in writing and specify the reasons.

3. When changing contents as prescribed in clause 3, Article 20 of the Press Law, the print media agency's management shall submit one set of documents requesting the Press Department to approve the change. The documents include:

a) A request letter from the managing agency of the press;

b) A sample layout of the proposed name of the supplement confirmed by the print media agency's management (in cases of changing the presentation format or position of the supplement's name).

Within twenty days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the Press Department shall be responsible for examining and resolving the approval in writing; in case of non-approval, it must notify in writing and specify the reasons.

Chapter III
ISSUANCE OF PERMITS FOR ELECTRONIC NEWS MEDIA ACTIVITIES, ELECTRONIC MAGAZINES OPENING SPECIAL SECTIONS OF ELECTRONIC NEWS MEDIA, ELECTRONIC MAGAZINES

Article 10. Documents and procedures for issuing licenses for electronic newspapers

1. The agency or organization requesting the license for operating an electronic newspaper shall submit one set of documents to the Ministry of Information and Communications. The documents include:

a) Application form for the issuance of a license for operating an electronic newspaper (Form No. 06);

b) Project on the operation of an electronic newspaper (signed by the authorized person and stamped or electronically signed by the agency or organization requesting the license), along with accompanying documents, including the following contents: The necessity and legal basis; explanation of compliance with all conditions stipulated in Article 17 of the Press Law; structure and main content of specialized pages and sections of the electronic newspaper, sections of specialized pages; domain name appropriate to the name of the electronic newspaper; ownership of the domain name with at least six months remaining usage period from the date of application for the license; publication process and content management;

c) List of proposed personnel for the electronic newspaper (Form No. 03);

d) A resume of the proposed chief editor (Form No. 04);

d) Sample layout of the homepage of the electronic newspaper must display information as prescribed in Article 46 of the Press Law, confirmed by the agency or organization requesting the license.

Sample layout of the homepage of the specialized page must be confirmed by the agency or organization requesting the license. The homepage of the specialized page must display information as prescribed in Article 46 of the Press Law, wherein the name of the specialized page clearly shows the term "specialized page" in a font size not less than half the size of the specialized page's name and the name of the electronic newspaper in a font size not less than half the size of the specialized page's name.

2. Within ninety days from the date of receiving complete valid documents, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall issue a license for operating an electronic newspaper (Form No. 17); in case of refusal, it must notify in writing and specify the reasons.

Article 11. Documents and procedures for issuing licenses for electronic magazines

1. The agency or organization requesting the license for operating an electronic magazine shall submit one set of documents to the Ministry of Information and Communications. The documents include:

a) Application form for the issuance of a license for operating an electronic magazine (Form No. 07);

b) Project on the operation of an electronic magazine (signed by the authorized person and stamped or electronically signed by the agency or organization requesting the license), along with accompanying documents, including the following contents: The necessity and legal basis; explanation of compliance with all conditions stipulated in Article 17 of the Press Law; structure and main content of specialized pages and sections of the electronic magazine, sections of specialized pages, clearly showing deep and specialized information, industry introduction, publishing research results, participating in policy advisory and critique within the functional and mission scope of the agency or organization requesting the license; domain name appropriate to the name of the electronic magazine; ownership of the domain name with at least six months remaining usage period from the date of application for the license; publication process and content management;

c) List of proposed personnel for the electronic magazine (Form No. 03);

d) A resume of the proposed chief editor (Form No. 04);

d) Sample layout of the homepage of the electronic magazine must be confirmed by the agency or organization requesting the license. The homepage of the electronic magazine must display information as prescribed in Article 46 of the Press Law, wherein the name of the electronic magazine clearly shows the term "magazine" or "electronic magazine" in a font size not less than half the size of the electronic magazine's name;

Sample layout of the homepage of the specialized page must be confirmed by the agency or organization requesting the license. The homepage of the specialized page must display information as prescribed in Article 46 of the Press Law, wherein the name of the specialized page clearly shows the term "specialized page" in a font size not less than half the size of the specialized page's name and the name of the electronic magazine in a font size not less than half the size of the specialized page's name.

2. Within ninety days from the date of receiving complete valid documents, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall issue a license for operating an electronic magazine (Form No. 18); in case of refusal, it must notify in writing and specify the reasons.

Article 12. Changing the Content Recorded in the Electronic Newspaper, Online Magazine Operating License

1. The press agency changing the content recorded in the electronic newspaper, online magazine operating license as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 20 of the Press Law shall send a notification letter to the Press Department and the specialized provincial authority granted such power (for press agencies under the management of the People's Committee at the provincial level) no later than five days from the date of change.

2. When making changes according to Clause 2, Article 20 of the Press Law, the managing agency of the press must submit one set of documents to request the Ministry of Information and Communications to amend and supplement the license. The documents include:

a) A request letter from the press agency’s managing body; wherein, it reflects the domain name consistent with the electronic newspaper, online magazine name and the domain ownership still has a minimum usage period of six months from the date of application (in cases of changing the domain name);

b) A report evaluating the implementation of the press agency's objectives and purposes according to the license (in cases of changing the objectives and purposes);

c) A sample presentation of the press agency’s name confirmed by the press agency’s managing body (in cases of changing the press agency’s name); meeting the conditions stipulated in Point d, Clause 1 of this Circular (for online magazines);

d) A sample presentation of the special section name of the electronic newspaper, online magazine confirmed by the press agency’s managing body (in cases of changing the special section name of the electronic newspaper, online magazine); meeting the conditions stipulated in Point d, Clause 1 of this Circular for the special sections of electronic newspapers and the conditions stipulated in Point d, Clause 1 of this Circular for the special sections of online magazines;

Within twenty days from the date of receiving complete valid files, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall be responsible for examining and resolving the issuance of the license (Form No. 19); in case of refusal, a written notice must be issued stating the reasons.

3. When making changes according to Clause 3, Article 20 of the Press Law, the managing agency of the press sends one set of documents to request the Ministry of Information and Communications to approve the change. The documents include:

a) A request letter from the managing agency of the press;

b) A sample presentation of the press agency’s name, proposed special section name confirmed by the press agency’s managing body (in cases of changing the presentation form, position of the press agency’s name, special section name);

c) A sample presentation of the homepage interface of the electronic newspaper, online magazine, special section proposed to be changed confirmed by the press agency’s managing body (in cases of changing the homepage interface of the electronic newspaper, online magazine, special section).

Within twenty days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall be responsible for examining and resolving the approval in writing; in case of non-approval, it must notify in writing and specify the reasons.

Article 13. Documents and Procedures for Issuing Licenses, Changing the Content Recorded in Licenses for Opening Special Sections of Electronic Newspapers, Online Magazines

1. Press agencies meeting the conditions stipulated in Article 30 of the Press Law that wish to open special sections of electronic newspapers, online magazines shall submit one set of documents to the Press Department. The documents include:

a) A request letter from the managing agency of the press;

b) An application form for issuing a license to open a special section of an electronic newspaper, online magazine (Form No. 08);

c) A project on the operation of the special section of the electronic newspaper, online magazine (signed by the authorized person and stamped or digitally signed by the press agency’s managing body) and accompanying documents, including the following contents: The necessity and legal basis; a description of fully meeting the conditions stipulated in Article 30 of the Press Law; structure and main content of the special columns (for special sections of online magazines, clearly reflect the content of in-depth information, specialized information, introductions, publishing research results, participating in policy consultations and critiques within the functions and tasks of the press agency’s managing body); publication process and content management;

d) A sample presentation of the homepage interface of the special section confirmed by the press agency’s managing body. The homepage of the special section must display the information as prescribed in Article 46 of the Press Law, wherein: The special section name must clearly show the term "special section" in a font size of at least half the size of the special section name and the electronic newspaper, online magazine name in a font size of at least half the size of the special section name.

Within thirty days from the date of receiving complete valid files, the Press Department shall be responsible for issuing the license to open a special section of an electronic newspaper/online magazine (Form No. 20); in case of refusal, a written notice must be issued stating the reasons.

2. When changing contents as prescribed in clause 2, Article 20 of the Press Law, the print media agency's management must submit one set of documents requesting the Press Department to amend and supplement the permit. The documents include:

a) A request letter from the managing agency of the press;

b) A report evaluating the implementation of the mission and purpose according to the special section license (in cases of changing the mission and purpose);

c) A sample presentation of the special section name confirmed by the press agency’s managing body, meeting the conditions stipulated in Point d, Clause 1 of this Article (in cases of changing the special section name);

Within twenty days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the Press Department shall be responsible for examining and resolving the issuance of the permit (Form No. 21); in case of refusal, it must notify in writing and specify the reasons.

3. When changing contents as prescribed in clause 3, Article 20 of the Press Law, the print media agency's management shall submit one set of documents requesting the Press Department to approve the change. The documents include:

a) A request letter from the managing agency of the press;

b) A sample presentation of the proposed special section name change confirmed by the press agency’s managing body (in cases of changing the presentation form, position of the special section name);

c) A sample presentation of the proposed homepage interface change of the special section confirmed by the press agency’s managing body (in cases of changing the homepage interface of the special section).

Within twenty days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the Press Department shall be responsible for examining and resolving the approval in writing; in case of non-approval, it must notify in writing and specify the reasons.

Chapter IV
ISSUING LICENSES FOR TWO TYPES OF PRESS OPERATIONS

Article 14. Cases where agencies and organizations are requested to issue licenses for implementing two types of press activities

1. The subjects specified in Clause 1, Article 2 of this Circular who have the need to implement two types of press activities:

a) Print newspapers and online newspapers;

b) Print magazines and online magazines.

2. Press agencies currently implementing two types of press activities with one or two licenses about to expire and have the need to continue press activities.

3. Press agencies currently implementing one type of press activity and have the need to implement another type of press activity:

a) Print newspapers implementing additional online newspaper activities;

b) Print magazines implementing additional online magazine activities;

c) Online newspapers implementing additional print newspaper activities;

d) Online magazines implementing additional print magazine activities.

Article 15. Documents and procedures for issuing licenses for implementing two types of press activities

1. Agencies and organizations requesting issuance of licenses for implementing two types of press activities shall submit one set of documents to the Ministry of Information and Communications. The documents include:

a) A license application form for implementing two types of press activities (Form No. 09);

b) An operational plan (signed by the authorized person and stamped or electronically signed by the agency or organization requesting the license), summarizing the contents of the plans stipulated in Point b, Clause 1, Article 5 and of the plans stipulated in Point b, Clause 1, Article 10 of this Circular (for print newspapers and online newspapers) and accompanying documents;

An operational plan (signed by the authorized person and stamped or electronically signed by the agency or organization requesting the license), summarizing the contents of the plans stipulated in Point b, Clause 1, Article 6 and of the plans stipulated in Point b, Clause 1, Article 11 of this Circular (for print magazines and online magazines) and accompanying documents;

c) A list of proposed personnel for print newspapers and online newspapers or print magazines and online magazines (Form No. 03);

d) A resume of the proposed chief editor (Form No. 04);

d) A sample presentation of the name of the print newspaper publication as prescribed in Point d, Clause 1, Article 5, and a sample presentation of the homepage interface of the online newspaper as prescribed in Point d, Clause 1, Article 10 of this Circular, confirmed by the agency or organization requesting the license (for print newspapers and online newspapers);

A sample presentation of the name of the print magazine as prescribed in Point d, Clause 1, Article 6, and a sample presentation of the homepage interface of the online magazine as prescribed in Point d, Clause 1, Article 11 of this Circular, confirmed by the agency or organization requesting the license (for print magazines and online magazines).

2. Within ninety days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents, the Ministry of Information and Communications will issue a license for operating print newspapers and online newspapers (Form No. 22) or a license for operating print magazines and online magazines (Form No. 23); in cases of refusal, a written notification must be issued stating the reasons.

Article 16. Documents and procedures for issuing licenses for press agencies currently implementing two types of press activities with one or two licenses about to expire, and issuing licenses for press agencies currently implementing one type of press activity and implementing another type of press activity

1. Press agencies currently implementing two types of press activities with one or two licenses about to expire and have the need to continue press activities, press agencies currently implementing one type of press activity and meeting the conditions stipulated in Article 17 of the Press Law and having the need to implement another type of press activity, the managing agencies of the press shall submit one set of documents to the Ministry of Information and Communications. The documents shall be prepared in accordance with the provisions of Clause 1, Article 15 of this Circular.

2. Within ninety days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents, the Ministry of Information and Communications will issue a license for operating print newspapers and online newspapers (Form No. 22) or a license for operating print magazines and online magazines (Form No. 23); in cases of refusal, a written notification must be issued stating the reasons.

Article 17. Changing the Content Recorded in the Permit for Implementing Two Types of Journalism

1. The journalism agency changing the content related to printed newspapers and magazines in the permit for implementing two types of journalism as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 20 of the Press Law shall implement as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 7 of this Circular.

The journalism agency changing the content related to online newspapers and online magazines in the permit for implementing two types of journalism as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 20 of the Press Law shall implement as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 12 of this Circular.

2. When changing the contents as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 20 of the Press Law related to printed newspapers and magazines in the permit for implementing two types of journalism, the competent authority of the journalism agency must submit one set of application documents requesting the Ministry of Information and Communications to amend and supplement the permit. The documents are implemented as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 7 of this Circular.

When changing the contents as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 20 of the Press Law related to online newspapers and online magazines in the permit for implementing two types of journalism, the competent authority of the journalism agency must submit one set of application documents requesting the Ministry of Information and Communications to amend and supplement the permit. The documents are implemented as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 12 of this Circular.

Within twenty days from the date of receiving complete valid documents, the Ministry of Information and Communications has the responsibility to examine and resolve the issuance of the permit (Form No. 24); in case of refusal, it must notify in writing and specify the reasons.

3. The change of the contents as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 20 of the Press Law related to printed newspapers and magazines in the permit for implementing two types of journalism shall be implemented as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 7 of this Circular.

The change of the contents as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 20 of the Press Law related to online newspapers and online magazines in the permit for implementing two types of journalism shall be implemented as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 12 of this Circular.

Chapter V
PUBLISHING NEWSLETTERS AND SPECIAL ISSUES

Article 18. Documents and Procedures for Issuing a Permit for Publishing Newsletters

1. Agencies and organizations wishing to publish newsletters shall submit one set of documents to the Press Bureau (for central agencies and organizations; foreign representative agencies and organizations in Vietnam) or the People's Committee of the province or specialized provincial agencies authorized (for agencies and organizations in provinces and centrally-administered cities). The documents include:

a) Application form for issuing a permit for publishing newsletters (Form No. 10);

b) Certified copy or legally recognized electronic copy or copy with original for comparison of the decision on establishment, license for establishment, business registration certificate, or other equivalent legal documents (for foreign organizations in Vietnam);

c) Curriculum vitae of the person responsible for publishing the newsletter;

d) Sample layout of the newsletter name with confirmation from the agency or organization applying for the permit and a notarized Vietnamese translation (for newsletter names expressed in a foreign language).

2. Within twenty days from the date of receiving complete valid documents, the Press Bureau, the People's Committee of the province, or specialized provincial agencies authorized have the responsibility to issue a permit for publishing newsletters (Form Nos. 25, 26); in case of refusal, they must notify in writing and specify the reasons.

Article 19. Changing the Content Recorded in the Publishing Permit for News Bulletins

1. An agency or organization that wishes to change one of the contents recorded in the publishing permit for news bulletins must submit a request letter to the Press Agency, Provincial People's Committee, or provincial specialized agency authorized to grant permission for changes. The dossier includes:

a) A request letter for change from the agency or organization;

b) A brief curriculum vitae of the person responsible for publishing the news bulletin (in case of changing the person responsible for publishing the news bulletin);

c) A sample presentation of the news bulletin title with confirmation from the agency or organization requesting the permit and a notarized Vietnamese translation (in case of changing the news bulletin title expressed in a foreign language).

2. Within fifteen days from the date of receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Press Agency, Provincial People's Committee, or provincial specialized agency authorized to grant permission shall be responsible for examining and resolving the approval by written notice; in case of disapproval, a written notice must be issued stating the reasons.

Article 20. Dossier and Procedures for Issuing the Publishing Permit for Special Editions

1. An agency or organization wishing to publish special editions must submit one set of dossier to the Press Agency. The dossier includes:

a) Application form for issuing the publishing permit for special editions (Form No. 11);

b) Certified copy or legally recognized electronic copy or copy with original for comparison of the decision on establishment, license for establishment, business registration certificate, or other equivalent legal documents (for foreign organizations in Vietnam);

c) A brief curriculum vitae of the person responsible for publishing the special edition;

d) A sample presentation of the special edition title with confirmation from the agency or organization requesting the permit and a notarized Vietnamese translation (in case of the special edition title expressed in a foreign language).

2. Within twenty days from the date of receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Press Agency shall be responsible for issuing the publishing permit for special editions (Form No. 27); in case of refusal, a written notice must be issued stating the reasons.

Article 21. Changing the Content Recorded in the Publishing Permit for Special Editions

1. An agency or organization that wishes to change one of the contents recorded in the publishing permit for special editions must submit a request letter to the Press Agency for permission to make changes. The dossier includes:

a) A request letter for change from the agency or organization;

b) A brief curriculum vitae of the person responsible for publishing the special edition (in case of changing the person responsible for publishing the special edition);

c) A sample presentation of the special edition title with confirmation from the agency or organization requesting the permit and a notarized Vietnamese translation (in case of changing the special edition title expressed in a foreign language).

2. Within fifteen days from the date of receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Press Agency shall be responsible for examining and resolving the approval by written notice; in case of disapproval, a written notice must be issued stating the reasons.

Chapter VI
IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 22. Issuing Forms

Issued together with this Circular are the following forms:

1. Form No. 01: Application form for issuing the operating permit for print newspapers.

2. Form No. 02: Application form for issuing the operating permit for print magazines.

3. Form No. 03: List of proposed personnel for print newspapers/print magazines/electronic newspapers/electronic magazines.

4. Form No. 04: Brief curriculum vitae of the proposed chief editor for print newspapers/print magazines/electronic newspapers/electronic magazines.

5. Form No. 05: Application form for issuing the publishing permit for additional press publications/supplements.

6. Form No. 06: Application form for issuing the operating permit for electronic newspapers.

7. Form No. 07: Application form for issuing the operating permit for electronic magazines.

8. Form No. 08: Application form for issuing the operating permit for opening special sections of electronic newspapers/electronic magazines.

9. Form No. 09: Application form for issuing the operating permit for implementing two types of press.

10. Form No. 10: Application form for issuing the publishing permit for news bulletins.

11. Form No. 11: Application form for issuing the publishing permit for special editions.

12. Form No. 12: Operating permit for print newspapers.

13. Form No. 13: Operating permit for print magazines.

14. Form No. 14: Permit for amending and supplementing provisions recorded in the operating permit for print newspapers/operating permit for print magazines/publishing additional press publications.

15. Form No. 15: Permit for publishing additional press publications.

16. Form No. 16: Permit for publishing supplements.

17. Form No. 17: Operating permit for electronic newspapers.

18. Form No. 18: Operating permit for electronic magazines.

19. Form No. 19: Permit for amending and supplementing provisions in the operating permit for electronic newspapers/electronic magazines.

20. Form No. 20: Permit for opening special sections of electronic newspapers/electronic magazines.

21. Form No. 21: Permit for amending and supplementing provisions recorded in the permit for publishing supplements/opening special sections of electronic newspapers/opening special sections of electronic magazines.

22. Form No. 22: Operating permit for print newspapers and electronic newspapers.

23. Form No. 23: Operating permit for print magazines and electronic magazines.

24. Form No. 24: Permit for amending and supplementing provisions in the operating permit for print newspapers and electronic newspapers/print magazines and electronic magazines.

25. Form No. 25: Publishing permit for news bulletins (issued by the Press Agency).

26. Form No. 26: Publishing permit for news bulletins (issued by the Provincial People's Committee/provincial specialized agency authorized to issue).

27. Form No. 27: Publishing permit for special editions.

Article 23. Transitional Provisions

The Ministry of Information and Communications will reissue permits for press agencies according to the Planning for the Development and Management of the Press throughout Vietnam until 2025; the dossier and procedures shall be implemented according to Articles 5, 6, 10, 11, 15, and 16 of this Circular.

Article 24. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from February 15, 2021.

2. This Circular replaces Circular No. 48/2016/TT-BTTTT dated December 26, 2016, of the Ministry of Information and Communications detailing and guiding the issuance of operating permits for print newspapers and electronic newspapers, publishing additional press publications, opening special sections of electronic newspapers, publishing supplements, publishing news bulletins, and publishing special editions./.