Initial Printing Operation License Procedure for Businesses

The initial printing operation license procedure is a mandatory step for printing establishments to begin legal operations. Understanding the regulations and preparing a valid dossier ensures a smooth licensing process, avoids delays, and protects the legal rights of the printing establishment. This article details the complete initial printing operation license procedure.

Conditions for the Administrative Procedure

Before undertaking the initial printing operation license procedure, businesses and organizations must meet the operational conditions for printing establishments as stipulated in Decision 682/QD-BVHTTDL dated March 14, 2025.

• For printing establishments under central ministries, agencies, organizations, and state-owned enterprises, the conditions for a printing license for publications (including prepress, printing, and post-press processing) are:
  • The owner must be a Vietnamese organization or individual.
  • The head of the printing establishment must be a Vietnamese citizen residing in Vietnam, possess professional competence in managing publication printing activities, and meet other legal standards.
  • There must be production premises and equipment to perform one or more stages of prepress, printing, and post-press processing for publications.
  • Security and order conditions must be ensured.
  • The establishment must align with the development plans for press networks, broadcasting, electronic information, publishing establishments, and other relevant plans under the law on planning.
• For printing establishments under local agencies and organizations, the conditions are:
  • There must be suitable equipment to perform one or more stages of prepress, printing, and post-press processing consistent with the application for a printing operation license.
  • There must be legal premises for prepress, printing, and post-press processing.
  • The owner must be a Vietnamese organization or a Vietnamese citizen. The head of the establishment must be a Vietnamese citizen, legally residing in Vietnam, with full civil act capacity.

Competent Authority

Pursuant to Decision 682/QD-BVHTTDL, the authority to issue the printing operation license is as follows:

• The Publishing, Printing and Distribution Authority issues licenses for printing establishments under central ministries, agencies, organizations, and state-owned enterprises.
• The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism or the Department of Culture and Sports (depending on the local organizational structure) issues licenses for printing establishments under local agencies and organizations.

Initial Printing Operation License Procedure

The initial printing operation license procedure is regulated in Decision 682/QD-BVHTTDL.

Dossier Composition and Submission Method

• For printing establishments under central ministries, agencies, organizations, and state-owned enterprises, the dossier includes:
  • An application for a license to print publications (Form No. 17, Circular No. 23/2023/TT-BTTTT).
  • A copy of one of the following valid documents: business household registration certificate, enterprise registration certificate, investment certificate, or establishment decision.
  • Documents proving the head of the establishment’s qualifications, production premises, and equipment:
    • Head of establishment: The legal representative named in the business registration, enterprise registration, investment certificate, or establishment decision.
    • Production premises: A copy of the land use right certificate, lease agreement, or other documents proving land allocation or lease of premises/workshop.
    • Equipment: A copy of ownership or lease-purchase documents. If equipment is not yet available, the dossier must include a list of planned equipment investments. Within 06 months from the license date, the establishment must complete the purchase or lease-purchase and submit copies of the documents to the licensing authority.
  • A curriculum vitae of the head of the printing establishment (Form No. 06, Circular No. 23/2023/TT-BTTTT).
  • A copy of a degree from a printing-specialized training institution or a certificate of completion of a professional training course in printing management.
  • A copy of the certificate of eligibility for security and order.
• For printing establishments under local agencies and organizations, the dossier includes:
  • An application for a printing operation license (Form No. 01, Decree No. 72/2022/ND-CP).
  • A certified copy or a copy presented with the original for comparison of one of the following: business registration certificate, enterprise registration certificate, investment certificate, tax registration certificate, or establishment decision for public service units.
  • A curriculum vitae of the head of the establishment as prescribed.

Applicants can submit the dossier in person, through the online public service system, or via postal services.

>>> See more at: Printing License Reissue Procedure Guide

Procedure Implementation

• For establishments under central authority: The organization prepares one set of the dossier and submits it to the Publishing, Printing and Distribution Authority (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism). Within 15 days of receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Authority must issue the License for Printing Publications. In case of refusal, a written response stating the reason is required.
• For establishments under local authority: Before operation, the establishment must submit a dossier to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism / Department of Culture and Sports. For branch establishments located in a different province or city from the head office, the local Department where the branch is located will issue the license. Within 15 days of receiving a complete dossier, the state management agency must issue the license, specifying the scope of activities appropriate to the equipment, and update the information in the national database. In case of refusal, a written response stating the reason is required.

>>> See more at: Publication Distribution Registration Guide

Consulting and Authorization Services at Long Phan Consulting Company

Long Phan Consulting Company provides comprehensive services for the initial printing operation license procedure. Our services include:

• Detailed consultation on the conditions for initial printing operations.
• Guidance on the dossier composition and process for the license application.
• Step-by-step instructions for the initial printing operation license procedure.
• Verification of the legality of all documents submitted to the competent authority.
• Drafting and preparation of the complete required dossier.
• Acting as the authorized representative to submit the dossier and monitor the process.
• Receiving and delivering the results, providing clarification to the client as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in conditions between printing publications and other products?

The licensing conditions for publication printing are stricter. In addition to general requirements, the head of a publication printing establishment must have a specialized degree in printing or a certificate in printing management. The establishment must also align with industry planning and possess a certificate of eligibility for security and order.

How long does a printing establishment have to finalize equipment investment if only a planned list was submitted initially?

For publication printing establishments, if only a list of planned equipment is submitted, the establishment must complete the purchase or lease-purchase within 06 months from the date the license is issued. Afterward, copies of relevant documents must be sent to the licensing authority as proof.

What specific stages does “post-press processing” include?

Post-press processing includes finishing stages after printing. These activities include, but are not limited to: cutting, folding, bookbinding (stitching, gluing, stapling), laminating (glossy, matte), die-cutting, embossing, foil stamping, and other surface finishing forms to create the final product.

Under what circumstances can a state agency refuse to issue a printing operation license?

The competent authority will refuse a license if the dossier is invalid or the establishment fails to meet legal conditions. Common reasons include the head of the establishment not meeting qualifications, illegal production premises, unsuitable equipment, or failure to meet security and order conditions. All refusals must be communicated in writing with clear reasons.

What documents does the applicant receive after the procedure is completed?

The applicant receives the Printing Operation License.

Conclusion

The initial printing operation license procedure is a fundamental requirement for a printing establishment to operate legally and ensure compliance with regulations. For detailed consultation and efficient support in completing the procedure correctly, please contact Long Phan Consulting Company via hotline: 1900636389 for dedicated and professional service.