Guide to Obtaining a Newsletter Publishing License

Obtaining a newsletter publishing license is a mandatory procedure for organizations and businesses to legally publish newsletters. The licensing process ensures compliance with press and publishing laws. It also promotes transparency, accountability, and the quality of information provided to the public. This article by Long Phan Consulting Company details the procedure for obtaining a newsletter publishing license under current regulations.

Requirements and Conditions for the Procedure

According to Decision 77/QD-BTTTT dated January 22, 2021, clients wishing to apply for a newsletter publishing license must meet the following requirements and conditions:

• Appoint a person responsible for the newsletter publication.
• Establish a suitable operational structure to ensure publication.
• Clearly define the newsletter’s name, purpose, content, target audience, scope of distribution, language, publication frequency, format, page count, quantity, and printing location.
• Have an official work location and the necessary facilities for publication.

Receiving and Resolving Authority

According to Clause 1, Article 18 of Circular 41/2020/TT-BTTTT dated December 24, 2020, the authority to receive and resolve applications for a newsletter publishing license is as follows:

• Press Authority: Receives and resolves dossiers from central agencies and organizations; foreign representative agencies and foreign organizations in Vietnam.
• Provincial People’s Committee or Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism / Department of Culture and Sports (depending on local structure): Receives and resolves dossiers from organizations in provinces and centrally-run cities.

Dossier for a Newsletter Publishing License

Based on Decision 77/QD-BTTTT, clients must prepare one (01) set of dossiers including the following documents for obtaining a newsletter publishing license:

• An application form for a newsletter publishing license (using Model No. 10 from Circular No. 41/2020/TT-BTTTT).
• A certified copy, a legally valid electronic copy, or a copy accompanied by the original for comparison of the establishment decision, establishment license, business registration certificate, or equivalent legal document.
• The curriculum vitae (CV) of the person responsible for publication.
• A layout sample of the newsletter’s name, certified by the applicant organization, and a notarized Vietnamese translation (for names in a foreign language).

Procedure for Obtaining a Newsletter Publishing License

The procedure for obtaining a newsletter publishing license is specified in Decision 77/QD-BTTTT as follows:

• Step 1: Dossier Submission The client prepares one (01) set of dossiers and submits it directly, via postal service, or through an electronic portal to the competent Provincial People’s Committee/Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism / Department of Culture and Sports or the Press Authority.
• Step 2: Processing and Resolution Within 20 days of receiving a complete and valid dossier, the competent authority is responsible for issuing the newsletter publishing license. In case of refusal, a written notification must be sent, clearly stating the reason.

Consulting Services at Long Phan Consulting Company

With an experienced team of experts, Long Phan Consulting Company is committed to assisting clients in completing the procedure for obtaining a newsletter publishing license quickly, accurately, and in compliance with current laws. Our services include:

• Detailed consultation on the conditions required for license issuance and assessing feasibility based on the organization’s actual situation.
• Guidance on preparing necessary documents and verifying their validity and consistency.
• Drafting a complete dossier in accordance with regulations.
• Acting as the client’s authorized representative to submit the dossier at the competent state agency.
• Monitoring the dossier processing, liaising with authorities, and providing clarifications and additional documents as requested.
• Receiving the final result and delivering it to the client.

Frequently Asked Questions about Obtaining a Newsletter License

Below are some frequently asked questions about the procedure for obtaining a newsletter publishing license:

Is there a fee for this procedure?

The procedure for applying for a newsletter publishing license is free of charge.

What legal requirements must a newsletter meet?

According to Clause 1, Article 34 of the 2016 Press Law, a newsletter must adhere to the following:

• Maximum format of 19cm x 27cm, maximum of 64 pages. No advertising is permitted.
• The top of the first page must display the word “BẢN TIN” (NEWSLETTER), the newsletter’s name below it, the name of the publishing organization, and the date of publication below the newsletter’s name.
• The bottom of the last page must state the license number and date, printing location, quantity, publication frequency, and the name of the person responsible for publication.

How long is a newsletter publishing license valid?

According to Clause 4, Article 34 of the 2016 Press Law, the validity period is specified in each license but shall not exceed one (01) year from the date of issuance.

What should be done when a newsletter publishing license expires?

According to Clause 4, Article 34 of the 2016 Press Law, if the organization does not publish the newsletter by the deadline stated on the license, the license expires. The Ministry of Information and Communications or the Provincial People’s Committee will issue a decision to revoke the license. If the organization wishes to publish the newsletter in the future, it must re-apply for a new license.

Conclusion

The procedure for obtaining a newsletter publishing license requires strict adherence to legal conditions, dossiers, and processes. Inadequate preparation can lead to multiple rejections, causing delays and affecting an organization’s operational plans. To ensure an efficient and successful process, please contact Long Phan Consulting Company via our hotline 1900636389 for professional and prompt support.