License for Offshore Publication Printing

The procedure for obtaining a license for offshore publication printing is a key legal regulation. It controls printing activities involving foreign partners. It also ensures cultural security and national information sovereignty. This article by Long Phan Consulting Company details this procedure.

Eligible Entities for Offshore Publication Printing

According to Clause 1, Article 34 of the 2012 Law on Publication, and Decision No. 682/QD-BVHTTDL dated March 14, 2025, the eligible entities for offshore publication printing are specified as follows:

• Printing establishments with a publication printing license under Article 32 of the 2012 Law on Publication may print publications for foreign organizations and individuals.
• The printing of publications for foreign organizations and individuals must be licensed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism or the provincial-level People’s Committee.

Therefore, a printing establishment is permitted to print publications for foreign individuals and organizations when it meets two conditions: (1) it holds a publication printing license, and (2) it obtains a specific license for offshore publication printing from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism or the provincial-level People’s Committee.

Content Requirements for Offshore Publications

Under Clause 2, Article 34, and Clause 1, Article 10 of the 2012 Law on Publication, the publication, printing, and distribution of offshore publications with the following content are strictly prohibited:

• Propaganda against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; undermining national unity.
• Propaganda inciting wars of aggression, causing hatred among nations and peoples; inciting violence; disseminating reactionary ideologies, obscene lifestyles, criminal acts, social evils, superstitions, and undermining fine customs and traditions.
• Disclosure of state secrets, personal privacy, and other secrets protected by law.
• Distortion of historical truth, denial of revolutionary achievements; insulting the nation, famous figures, or national heroes; not showing or incorrectly showing national sovereignty; slandering or insulting the reputation of agencies, organizations, and the honor and dignity of individuals.

>>> See more at: Conditions for granting licenses to print and process publications for foreign countries

Competent Licensing Authorities

As per Decision No. 682/QD-BVHTTDL, the competent authorities to issue a license for offshore publication printing are the Publishing, Printing and Issuing Authority and the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism/Department of Culture and Sports.

Required Application Dossier

Based on Decision No. 682/QD-BVHTTDL, you must prepare one set of documents, including the following papers:

• An application form for a license for offshore publication printing (Form No. 20, Appendix of Circular No. 23/2023/TT-BTTTT).
• Two sample copies of the publication to be printed.
• A certified copy of the publication printing license.
• A certified copy of the printing contract with the foreign organization or individual; if the contract is in a foreign language, a Vietnamese translation must be attached.
• A copy of the valid passport of the person placing the order or a letter of authorization and the ID card/citizen identification card of the authorized person.

Procedure for Obtaining the License

The procedure to obtain a license for offshore publication printing follows these steps, as stipulated in Decision No. 682/QD-BVHTTDL:

• Step 1: Submit the Dossier The printing establishment prepares the application dossier and submits it to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism/Department of Culture and Sports or the Publishing, Printing and Issuing Authority.
• Step 2: Process and Issue License Within 10 days of receiving a complete and valid dossier, the competent authority must issue the license. In case of refusal, a written response stating the reasons must be provided.

>>> See more at: Publication Distribution Registration Guide

Consulting Services from Long Phan Consulting Company

Long Phan Consulting Company provides comprehensive legal services. We assist clients in obtaining the license for offshore publication printing professionally and effectively.

Our service scope includes:

• Providing in-depth consultation on the conditions for offshore publication printing.
• Analyzing and assessing the legality of the publication content against Vietnamese prohibitions.
• Drafting and guiding clients to prepare a complete dossier as required.
• Reviewing the validity of all documents, organizing, and finalizing the dossier before submission.
• Representing clients to submit the dossier to the competent state authority.
• Monitoring the processing progress, providing timely updates, and working with authorities for clarification or supplementation.
• Receiving the result and delivering it to the client.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions about the procedure to obtain a license for offshore publication printing:

Is it mandatory for publications printed for foreign entities to be exported?

Yes. According to Clause 6, Article 34 of the 2012 Law on Publication, 100% of publications printed for foreign organizations and individuals must be exported.

What procedure is required if such publications are to be circulated or used in Vietnam?

As per Clause 6, Article 34 of the 2012 Law on Publication, if these publications are to be circulated or used in Vietnam, the procedure for importing publications under the 2012 Law on Publication must be followed.

Who is legally responsible for the printing and copyright of the processed publications?

According to Clause 5, Article 34 of the 2012 Law on Publication, the director of the printing establishment is legally responsible for the printing. The foreign organization or individual placing the order is responsible for the copyright of the publication.

Is there a fee for this licensing procedure?

There is no state fee for the procedure to obtain a license for offshore publication printing.

Can the application dossier be submitted online?

Yes. According to Decision No. 682/QD-BVHTTDL, clients can submit the application dossier for a license for offshore publication printing online.

Conclusion

The procedure for obtaining a license for offshore publication printing requires a deep understanding of legal regulations and careful dossier preparation. Correctly following the process not only ensures legal compliance for the business’s operations but also enhances its reputation in international partnerships. For professional support that saves time and ensures efficiency, please contact Long Phan Consulting Company via hotline: 1900636389.