Circular No. 41/2020/TT-BTTTT guiding the grant of permits for operation of print newspapers

CIRCULAR

Guiding in detail the grant of permits for operation of print newspapers, print magazines, online newspapers and online magazines; publication of additional publications; operation in two types of press; opening of specialized pages of online newspapers and online magazines; publication of supplements; publication of newsletters; and publication of special issues^[1]

Pursuant to the April 5, 2016 Press Law;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 17/2017/ND-CP of February 17, 2017, defining the functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Ministry of Information and Communications;

At the proposal of the Director of the Authority of Press;

The Minister of Information and Communications promulgates the Circular guiding in detail the grant of permits for operation of print newspapers, print magazines, online newspapers and online magazines; publication of additional publications; operation in two types of press; opening of specialized pages of online newspapers and online magazines; publication of supplements; publication of newsletters; and publication of special issues.

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of regulation

This Circular guides in detail the grant of permits for operation of print newspapers, print magazines, online newspapers and online magazines; publication of additional publications; operation in two types of press; opening of specialized pages of online newspapers and online magazines; publication of supplements; publication of newsletters; and publication of special issues under Articles 18, 20, 29, 31, 34 and 35 of the Press Law.

Article 2. Entities that may apply for a permit

1. Entities that may establish press agencies specified in Article 14 of the Press Law and fully meeting the conditions specified in Article 17 of the Press Law may apply for a permit for operation of a print newspaper, print magazine, online newspaper, online magazine; publication of an additional publication, operation in two types of press; opening of a specialized page of an online newspaper or online magazine; and publication of a supplement.

2. Agencies and organizations specified in Clause 3, Article 34 of the Press Law may apply for a permit for publication of a newsletter.

3. Agencies and organizations specified in Clause 2, Article 35, and Clause 1, Article 56, of the Press Law may apply for a permit for publication of a special issue.

Article 3. Competence to grant permits

1. The Minister of Information and Communications may grant:

a/ Permit for operation of a print newspaper;

b/ Permit for operation of a print magazine;

c/ Permit for publication of an additional journalistic publication;

d/ Permit modifying or supplementing a permit for operation of a print newspaper, operation of a print magazine, or publication of an additional journalistic publication;

dd/ Permit for operation of an online newspaper;

e/ Permit for operation of an online magazine;

g/ Permit modifying or supplementing a permit for operation of an online newspaper or online magazine;

h/ Permit for operation of a print newspaper or an online newspaper;

i/ Permit for operation of a print magazine or an online magazine;   

k/ Permit modifying or supplementing a permit for operation of a print newspaper or an online newspaper, print magazine or online magazine.

2. The Director of the Authority of Press may grant:

a/ Permit for publication of a supplement;

b/ Permit for opening of a specialized page of an online newspaper or online magazine;

c/ Permit modifying or supplementing a permit for publication of a supplement, opening of a specialized page of an online newspaper or opening of a specialized page of an online magazine.

d/ Permit for publication of a newsletter, for central agencies and organizations, Vietnam-based foreign representative missions and foreign organizations;

dd/ Permit for publication of a special issue.

3. Provincial-level People’s Committees or heads of provincial-level specialized agencies may empower agencies and organizations in their respective provinces or centrally run cities to grant permits for publication of newsletters.

Article 4. Receipt and examination of dossiers

1. Within 15 days after receiving an application dossier, a permit-granting agency shall check validity of the dossier. If the dossier is invalid, the permit-granting agency shall issue a notice to the dossier-submitting agency or organization to request the latter to supplement the dossier.

2. The time limit for considering the grant of a permit shall be calculated from the date the permit-granting agency receives a complete and valid dossier from the applying agency or organization.

Chapter II

GRANT OF PERMITS FOR OPERATION OF PRINT NEWSPAPERS, OPERATION OF PRINT MAGAZINES, PUBLICATION OF ADDITIONAL JOURNALISTIC PUBLICATIONS, AND PUBLICATION OF SUPPLEMENTS

Article 5. Dossiers and procedures for grant of permits for operation of print newspapers

1. An agency or organization applying for a permit for operation of a print newspaper shall send to the Ministry of Information and Communications a dossier that must comprise:

a/ An application for a permit for operation of a print newspaper (Form No. 01);

b/ A scheme on operation of the print newspaper (containing the signature of a competent person and seal or digital signature of the applying agency or organization) and accompanied documents, which must have the following contents: necessity and legal grounds; explanation about satisfaction of the conditions specified in Article 17 of the Press Law; structure and principal contents of the publication; and publishing and content management process;

c/ A tentative list of personnel of the print newspaper (made according to Form No. 03);

d/ A curriculum vitae of the person expected to act as the editor-in-chief (made according to Form No. 04);

dd/ A layout showing the name of the print newspaper, certified by the applying agency or organization.

2. Within 90 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall grant a permit for operation of a print newspaper (according to Form No. 12). In case of refusal to grant such a permit, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

Article 6. Dossiers and procedures for grant of permits for operation of print magazines

1. An agency or organization applying a permit for operation of a print magazine shall send to the Ministry of Information and Communication a dossier that must comprise:

a/ An application for a permit for operation of a print magazine (Form No. 02);

b/ A scheme on operation of the print magazine (containing the signature of a competent person and seal or digital signature of the applying agency or organization) and accompanied documents, which must have the following contents: necessity and legal grounds; explanation about satisfaction of the conditions specified in Article 17 of the Press Law; structure and principal contents of the publication, clearly showing contents on in-depth and specialized information, introduction and publishing of scientific research outcomes, and participation in policy consultancy and criticism in the fields falling under functions and tasks of the applying organization or individual; and publishing and content management process;

c/ A tentative list of personnel of the print magazine (made according to Form No. 03);

d/ A curriculum vitae of the person expected to act as the editor-in-chief (made according to Form No. 04);

dd/ A layout showing the name of the print magazine, certified by the applying agency or organization, in which the phrase “tap chi” (magazine) must be presented in a font size at least equal to 1/3 of that of the print magazine’s name;

2. Within 90 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall grant a permit for operation of print newspaper (according to Form No. 13). In case of refusal to grant such a permit, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

Article 7. Change of contents of permits for operation of print newspapers or print magazines

1. In case of changing contents of permits for operation of print newspapers or  print magazines as specified in Clause 1, Article 20 of the Press Law, press agencies shall send notices thereof to the Authority of Press and authorized provincial-level specialized agencies (for press agencies subject to state management of provincial-level People’s Committees) within 5 days after such changes are made.

2. In case of changing contents of a permit for operation of a print newspaper or print magazine as specified in Clause 2, Article 20 of the Press Law, the concerned press managing agency shall send a dossier to the Ministry of Information and Communications to request the latter to modify or supplement the permit. The dossier must comprise:

a/ A written request of the press managing agency;

b/ A report evaluating the implementation of guiding principles and purposes of the press agency as stated in the permit (in case of changing guiding principles and purposes);

c/ A layout showing the name of the press agency (in case of changing the name of a press agency) or a layout showing the name of the journalistic publication (in case of changing the name of a journalistic publication), certified by the press managing agency and meeting the condition specified at Point dd, Clause 1, Article 6 of this Circular (for print magazines).

Within 20 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall grant a permit (according to Form No. 14). In case of refusal to grant such a permit, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

3. In case of changing contents specified in Clause 3, Article 20 of the Press Law, the concerned press managing agency shall send a dossier to the Ministry of Information and Communications to request the latter to approve such change. The dossier must comprise:

a/ A written request of the press managing agency;

b/ A layout showing the expected change in the displayed name of the journalistic publication as certified by the press managing agency (in case of changing the design of and position of the displayed name of a journalistic publication).        

Within 20 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall issue a written approval. In case of refusal to do so, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

Article 8. Dossiers and procedures for grant and modification of permits for publication of additional journalistic publications

1. In case a press agency fully satisfies the conditions specified in Article 30 of the Press Law and wishes to publish an additional journalistic publication, the concerned press managing agency shall send to the Ministry of Information and Communications a dossier that must comprise:

a/ A written request of the press managing agency;

b/ An application for a permit for publication of an additional journalistic publication (Form No. 05);

c/ A scheme on publication of an additional journalistic publication (containing the signature of a competent person and seal or digital signature of the press managing agency) and accompanied documents, which must have the following contents: necessity and legal grounds; explanation about satisfaction of the conditions specified in Article 30 of the Press Law; the structure and principal contents of the journalistic publication which must satisfy the condition specified at Point b, Clause 1, Article 6 of this Circular, for print magazines:

d/ A layout showing the name of the journalistic publication as certified by the press managing agency and satisfying the condition specified at Point dd, Clause 1, Article 6 of this Circular (for print magazines).

Within 20 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall grant a permit (according to Form No. 15). In case of refusal to grant such a permit, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

2. Modification of permits for publication of additional journalistic publications must comply with Clauses 2 and 3, Article 7 of this Circular.

Article 9.  Dossiers and procedures for grant and modification of permits for publication of supplements

1. In case a press agency fully satisfies the conditions specified in Article 30 of the Press Law and wishes to publish a supplement, the concerned press managing agency shall send to the Authority of Press a dossier that must comprise:

a/ A written request of the press managing agency;

b/ An application for a permit for publication of a supplement (Form No. 5);

c/ A scheme on publication of a supplement (containing the signature of a competent person and seal or digital signature of the press managing agency) and accompanied documents, which must have the following contents: necessity and legal grounds; explanation about satisfaction of the conditions specified in Article 30 of the Press Law; and structure and principal contents of the supplement;

d/ A layout showing the name of the supplement as certified by the press managing agency.

Within 20 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Authority of Press shall grant a permit (according to Form No. 16). In case of refusal to grant such a permit, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

2. In case of modification of a permit for publication of a supplement as specified in Clause 2, Article 20 of the Press Law, the press managing agency shall send a dossier to the Authority of Press to request the latter to modify or supplement the permit. The dossier must comprise:

a/ A written request of the press managing agency;

b/ A report evaluating the implementation of the supplement’s guiding principles and purposes as stated in the permit (in case of changing guiding principles and purposes);

c/ A layout showing the name of the supplement as certified by the press managing agency (in case of changing the name of the supplement).

Within 20 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Authority of Press shall grant a permit (according to Form No. 21). In case of refusal to grant such a permit, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

3. In case of changing contents as specified in Clause 3, Article 20 of the Press Law, the press managing agency shall send a dossier to the Authority of Press to request the latter to approve such change. The dossier must comprise:

a/ A written request of the press managing agency;

b/A layout showing the expected change in the displayed name of the supplement as certified by the press managing agency (in case of changing the design and position of the displayed name of a supplement).

Within 20 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Authority of Press shall issue a written approval. In case of refusal to do so, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

Chapter III

GRANT OF PERMITS FOR OPERATION OF ONLINE NEWSPAPERS OR ONLINE MAGAZINES; OPENING OF SPECIALIZED PAGES OF ONLINE NEWSPAPERS OR ONLINE MAGAZINES

Article 10. Dossiers and procedures for grant of permits for operation of online newspapers

1. An agency or organization applying for a permit for operation of an online newspaper shall send to the Ministry of Information and Communications a dossier that must comprise:

a/ An application for a permit for operation of an online newspaper (Form No. 06);

b/ A scheme on operation of the online newspaper (containing the signature of a competent person and seal or digital signature of the applying agency or organization) and accompanied documents, which must have the following contents: necessity and legal grounds; explanation about satisfaction of the conditions specified in Article 17 of the Press Law; structure and principal contents of specialized pages and columns the online newspaper and specialized columns of each specialized page; domain name compatible with the name of the online newspaper, and ownership of the domain name that must have a remaining validity period of at least 6 months counted from the date of permit application; and publishing and content management process;

c/ A tentative list of personnel of the online newspaper (made according to Form No. 03);

d/ A curriculum vitae of the person expected to act as the editor-in-chief (made according to Form No. 04);

dd/ A layout showing the home page interface of the online newspaper, displaying the information specified in Article 46 of the Press Law, as certified by the applying agency or organization.

A layout showing the home page interface of each specialized page shall be certified by the applying agency or organization. The home page of the specialized page must the display information specified in Article 46 of the Press Law in which the name of the specialized page must include the phase “chuyen trang” (specialized page) presented in a font size at least equal to half of that of the specialized page’s name and the online newspaper’s name in a font size at least equal to half of that of the specialized page’s name.  

2. Within 90 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall grant a permit for operation of the online newspaper (according to Form No. 17). In case of refusal to grant such a permit, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

Article 11. Dossiers and procedures for grant of permits for operation of online magazines

1. An agency or organization applying for a permit for operation of an online magazine shall send to the Ministry of Information and Communication a dossier that must comprise:

a/ An application for a permit for operation of an online magazine (made according to Form No. 07);

b/ A scheme on operation of the online magazine (containing the signature of a competent person and seal or digital signature of the applying agency or organization) and accompanied documents, which must have the following contents: necessity and legal grounds; explanation about satisfaction of the conditions specified in Article 17 of the Press Law; structure and principal contents of specialized pages and columns of the online magazine and specialized columns of each specialized page, clearly showing in-depth and specialized information, introduction and publishing of scientific research outcomes, and participation in policy consultancy and criticism in the fields falling under functions and tasks of the applying agency or organization; a domain name compatible with the name of the online magazine; ownership of the domain name that must have a remaining validity period of at least 6 months counted from the time of permit application; and publishing and content management process;

c/ A tentative list of personnel of the online magazine (made according to Form No. 03);

d/ A curriculum vitae of the person expected to act as the editor-in-chief (made according to Form No. 04);

dd/ A layout showing the home page interface of the online magazine as certified by the applying agency or organization. The home page of the online magazine must display the information specified in Article 46 of the Press Law in which the name of the online magazine must contain the word “tap chi” (magazine) or the phrase “tap chi dien tu” (online magazine) presented in a font size at least equal to half of that of the online magazine’s name;

A layout showing the home page interface of each specialized page shall be certified by the applying agency or organization, which must display the information specified in Article 46 of the Press Law in which the name of the specialized page must include the word “chuyen trang” (specialized page) presented in a font size at least equal to half of that of the specialized page’s name and the online magazine’s name in a font size at least equal to half of that of the specialized page’s name. 

2. Within 90 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall grant a permit for operation of an online magazine (according to Form No. 18). In case of refusal to grant such a permit, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

Article 12. Modification of permits for operation of online newspapers or online magazines

1. In case of modification of permits for operation of online newspapers or online magazines as specified in Clause 1, Article 20 of the Press Law, press agencies shall send a notice thereof to the Authority of Press and authorized provincial-level specialized agencies (for press agencies subject to state management of provincial-level People’s Committees) within 5 days after such modification is made.

2. In case of modification of a permit for operation of an online newspaper or online magazine as specified in Clause 2, Article 20 of the Press Law, the concerned press managing agency shall send a dossier to the Ministry of Information and Communications to request the latter to modify or supplement the permit. The dossier must comprise:

a/ A written request of the press managing agency, showing a domain name compatible with the name of the online newspaper or online magazine and ownership of the domain name that must have a remaining validity duration of at least 6 months counted from the time of permit application (in case of changing the domain name);

b/ A report evaluating the implementation of the press agency’s guiding principles and purposes as stated in the granted permit (in case of changing guiding principles and purposes);

c/ A layout showing the name of the press agency as certified by the press managing agency (in case of changing the name of a press agency) and meeting the condition specified at Point dd, Clause 1, Article 11 of this Circular (for online magazines);

d/ A layout showing the name of the specialized page of the online newspaper or online magazine (in case of changing the name of a specialized page of an online newspaper or online magazine) as certified by the press managing agency and meeting the condition specified at Point dd, Clause 1, Article 10 of this Circular (for specialized pages of online newspapers) or meeting the condition specified at Point dd, Clause 1, Article 11 of this Circular (for specialized pages of online magazines);

Within 20 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall grant a permit (according to Form No. 19). In case of refusal to grant such a permit, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

3. In case of modification of a permit for operation of an online newspaper or online magazine as specified in Clause 3, Article 20 of the Press Law, the concerned press managing agency shall send to the Ministry of Information and Communications a dossier to request the latter to approve the modification. The dossier must comprise:

a/ A written request of the press managing agency;

b/ A layout showing the expected change in the displayed name of the press agency or of the specialized page (in case of changing the design and position of the displayed name of the press agency or specialized page), certified by the press managing agency;

c/ A layout showing the expected change in the home page interface of the online newspaper or online magazine or specialized page (in case of changing the home page interface of an online newspaper or online magazine or a specialized page), certified by the press managing agency.       

Within 20 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall issue a written approval. In case of refusal to issue such an approval, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

Article 13. Dossiers and procedures for grant and modification of permits for opening of specialized pages of online newspapers or online magazines

1. In case a press agency fully satisfies the conditions specified in Article 30 of the Press Law and wishes to open a specialized page of an online newspaper or online magazine, the concerned press managing agency shall send to the Authority of Press a dossier that must comprise:

a/ A written request of the press managing agency;

b/ An application for a permit for opening a specialized page of an online newspaper or online magazine (made according to Form No. 08);

c/ A scheme on operation of the online newspaper’s or online magazine’s specialized page (containing the signature of a competent person and seal or digital signature of the press managing agency) and accompanied documents, which must have the following contents: necessity and legal grounds; explanation about satisfaction of the conditions specified in Article 30 of the Press Law; structure and principal contents of specialized columns (for specialized pages of online magazines, it is required to show in-depth and specialized information, introduction and publishing of scientific research outcomes, and participation in policy consultancy and criticism in the fields falling under functions and tasks of the press managing agency); and the publishing and content management process;

d/ A layout showing the home page interface of the specialized page as certified by the press managing agency. The home page of the specialized page must display the information specified in Article 46 of the Press Law in which the name of the specialized page must include the word “chuyen trang” (specialized page) presented in a font size at least equal to half of that of the specialized page’s name and the online newspaper’s or online magazine’s name in a font size at least equal to half of that of the specialized page’s name. 

Within 30 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Authority of Press shall grant of a permit for opening a specialized page of an online newspaper or online magazine (according to Form No. 20). In case of refusal to grant such a permit, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

2. In case of modification of a permit for opening a specialized page of an online newspaper or online magazine as specified in Clause 2, Article 20 of the Press Law, the concerned press managing agency shall send a dossier to the Authority of Press to request the latter to modify or supplement the permit. The dossier must comprise:

a/ A written request of the press managing agency;

b/ A report evaluating the implementation of the specialized page’s guiding principles and purposes as stated in the permit (in case of changing guiding principles and purposes);

c/ A layout showing the name of the specialized page as certified by the press managing agency and satisfying the condition specified at Point d, Clause 1 of this Article (in case of changing the name of a specialized page);

Within 20 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Authority of Press shall grant a permit (according to Form No. 21). In case of refusal to grant such a permit, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

3. In case of modification of a permit for opening a specialized page of an online newspaper or online magazine as specified in Clause 3, Article 20 of the Press Law, the concerned press managing agency shall send a dossier to the Authority of Press to request the latter to approve the modification. The dossier must comprise:

a/ A written request of the press managing agency;

b/ A layout showing the expected change in the displayed name of the specialized page as certified by the press managing agency (in case of changing the design and position of the displayed name of a specialized page).

c/ A layout showing the home page interface of the specialized page expected to be changed as certified by the press managing agency (in case of changing the home page interface of the specialized page).

Within 20 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Authority of Press shall issue a written approval. In case of refusal to issue such an approval, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

Chapter IV

GRANT OF PERMITS FOR OPERATION IN TWO TYPES OF PRESS

Article 14. Agencies and organizations that may apply for permits for operation in two types of press

1. The entities specified in Clause 1, Article 2 of this Circular that wish to operate in two types of press:

a/ Print newspaper and online newspaper;

b/ Print magazine and online magazine.

2. Press agencies that are currently operating in two types of press and wish to continue their operation but either or both permits is/are going to expire.

3. Press agencies that are currently operating in one type of press and wish to further operate in another type of press:

a/ Operating a print newspaper and wishing to additionally operate an online newspaper;

b/ Operating a print magazine and wishing to additionally operate an online magazine;   

c/ Operating an online newspaper and wishing to additionally operate a print newspaper;

d/ Operating an online magazine and wishing to additionally operate a print magazine.

Article 15. Dossiers and procedures for grant of permits for operation in two types of press

1. An agency or organization applying for a permit for operation in two types of press shall send to the Ministry of Information and Communication a dossier that must comprise:

a/ An application for a permit for operation in two types of press (made according to Form No. 09);

b/ An operation scheme (containing the signature of a competent person and seal or digital signature of the applying agency or organization) which must have contents of the scheme specified at Point b, Clause 1, Article 5 and the scheme specified at Point b, Clause 1, Article 10 of this Circular (for press agencies operating print newspapers or online newspapers) and accompanied documents;

An operation scheme (containing the signature of a competent person and seal or digital signature of the applying agency or organization) which must have contents of the scheme specified at Point b, Clause 1, Article 6 and the scheme specified at Point b, Clause 1, Article 11 of this Circular (for press agencies operating print magazines and online magazines) and accompanied documents;

c/ A tentative list of personnel of the press agency operating the print newspaper and online newspaper or print magazine and online magazine (made according to Form No. 3);

d/ A curriculum vitae of the person expected to act as the editor-in-chief (made according to Form No. 04);

dd/ A layout showing the name of the print newspaper as specified at Point dd, Clause 1, Article 5 and a layout showing the home page interface of the online newspaper as specified at Point dd, Clause 1, Article 10 of this Circular as certified by the applying agency or organization (for press agencies operating print newspapers and online newspapers).

A layout showing the name of the print magazine as specified at Point dd, Clause 1, Article 6 and a layout showing the home page interface of the online magazine as specified at Point dd, Clause 1, Article 11 of this Circular as certified by the applying agency or organization (for press agencies operating print magazines and online magazines).

2. Within 90 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall grant a permit for operation of a print newspaper and an online newspaper (according to Form No. 22) or a permit for operation of a print magazine and an online magazine (according to Form No. 23). In case of refusal to grant such a permit, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

Article 16. Dossiers and procedures for grant of permits for press agencies currently operating in two types of press and having either or both permit(s) going to expire, grant of permits for press agencies currently operating in one type of press to additionally operate in another type of press

1. In case a press agency is currently operating in two types of press and wishes to continue its operation but either or both permit(s) is/are going to expire or a press agency that is currently operating in one type of press and fully satisfies the conditions specified in Article 17 of the Press Law wishes to additionally operate in another type of press, the concerned press managing agency shall send a dossier to the Ministry of Information and Communications. Such a dossier must comply with Clause 1, Article 15 of this Circular.

2. Within 90 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall grant a permit for operation of a print newspaper and an online newspaper (according to Form No. 22) or a permit for operation of print magazine and an online magazine (according to Form No. 23). In case of refusal to grant such a permit, it shall issue a notice clearly stating the reason.

Article 17. Modification of permits for operation in two types of press

1. In case of changing contents of a permit for operation in two types of press regarding the print newspaper or print magazine as specified in Clause 1, Article 20 of the Press Law, the concerned press agency shall comply with Clause 1, Article 7 of this Circular.

In case of modification of contents of its permit for operation in two types of press regarding the online newspaper or online magazine as specified in Clause 1, Article 20 of the Press Law, the concerned press agency shall comply with Clause 1, Article 12 of this Circular.

2. When changing contents of a permit for operation in two types of press regarding the print newspaper or print magazine as specified in Clause 1, Article 20 of the Press Law, the concerned press managing agency shall send a dossier to the Ministry of  Information and Communications to request the latter to modify or supplement the permit. The dossier must comply with Clause 2, Article 7 of this Circular.

When changing contents of a permit for operation in two types of press regarding the online newspaper or online magazine as specified in Clause 2, Article 20 of the Press Law, the concerned press managing agency shall send a dossier to the Ministry of Information and Communications to request the latter to modify or supplement the permit. The dossier must comply with Clause 2, Article 12 of this Circular.

Within 20 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall grant a permit (according to Form No. 24). In case of refusal to grant such a permit, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

3. The modification of a permit for operation in two types of press regarding the print newspaper or print magazine as specified in Clause 3, Article 20 of the Press Law must comply with Clause 3, Article 7 of this Circular.

The modification of a permit for operation in two types of press regarding the print newspaper or print magazine as specified in Clause 3, Article 20 of the Press Law must comply with Clause 3, Article 12 of this Circular.

Chapter V

PUBLICATION OF NEWSLETTERS AND SPECIAL ISSUES

Article 18. Dossiers and procedures for grant of permits for publication of newsletters

1. An agency or organization that wishes to publish a newsletter shall send a dossier to the Authority of Press (for central agencies and organizations; Vietnam-based foreign representative missions and foreign organizations) or concerned provincial-level People’s Committee or authorized provincial-level specialized agency (for agencies and organizations in provinces or centrally run cities). The dossier must comprise:

a/ An application for a permit for publication of a newsletter (made according to Form No. 10);

b/ A certified copy or legally valid electronic copy or a copy enclosed with the original for comparison of the establishment decision, establishment license, enterprise registration certificate or another paper of equivalent legal validity (for Vietnam-based foreign organizations);

c/ A curriculum vitae of the person responsible for publishing the newsletter;

d/ A layout showing the name of the newsletter as certified by the applying agency or organization, and its notarized Vietnamese translation (in case the name of the newsletter is in a foreign language).

2. Within 20 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Authority of Press or provincial-level People’s Committee or authorized provincial-level specialized agency shall grant a permit for publication of newsletter (according to Form No. 25 or 26). In case of refusal to grant such a permit, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

Article 19. Modification of permits for publication of newsletters

1. An agency or organization that wishes to change one of the information items stated in its newsletter publication permit shall send a written request to the Authority of Press or provincial-level People’s Committee or authorized provincial-level specialized agency for approval of the change. The dossier must comprise:

a/ A written request for change made by the agency or organization;

b/ A curriculum vitae of the person responsible for publishing the newsletter (in case of changing such person);

c/ A layout showing the name of the newsletter as certified by the permit-applying agency or organization, and its notarized Vietnamese translation (in case of changing the name of the newsletter which is in a foreign language).  

2. Within 15 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Authority of Press or provincial-level People’s Committee or authorized provincial-level specialized agency shall issue a written approval. In case of refusal to issue such an approval, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

Article 20. Dossiers and procedures for grant of permits for publication of special issues

1. An agency or organization wishing to publish a special issue shall send a dossier to the Authority of Press. The dossier must comprise:

a/ An application for a permit for publication of a special issue (made according to Form No. 11);

b/ A certified copy or legally valid electronic copy or a copy enclosed with the original for comparison of the establishment decision, establishment license, enterprise registration certificate or another paper of equivalent legal validity (for Vietnam-based foreign organizations);

c/ A curriculum vitae of the person responsible for publishing the special issue;

d/ A layout showing the name of the special issue as certified by the applying agency or organization, and its notarized Vietnamese translation (in case the name of the special issue is in a foreign language).

2. Within 20 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Authority of Press shall grant a permit for publication of a special issue (according to Form No. 27). In case of refusal to grant such a permit, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

Article 21. Modification of permits for publication of special issues

1. An agency or organization that wishes to change one of the information items stated in its special issue publication permit shall send a written request to the Authority of Press for approval of the change. The dossier must comprise:

a/ A written request for approval of the change, made by the agency or organization;

b/ A curriculum vitae of the person responsible for publishing the special issue (in case of changing such person);

c/ A layout showing the name of the special issue as certified by the applying agency or organization, and its notarized Vietnamese translation (in case of changing the name of the special issue which is in a foreign language).  

2. Within 15 days after receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Authority of Press shall issue a written approval. In case of refusal to grant such an approval, it shall notify the applicant in writing, clearly stating the reason.

Chapter VI

IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS

Article 22. Promulgation of forms

To promulgate together with this Circular the following forms:

1. Form No. 01: Application for grant of permit for operation of print newspaper.

2. Form No. 02: Application for grant of permit for operation of print magazine.

3. Form No. 03: Tentative list of personnel of print newspaper/print magazine/online newspaper/online magazine.

4. Form No. 04: Curriculum vitae of the person expected to act as the editor-in-chief of print newspaper/print magazine/online newspaper/online magazine.

5. Form No. 05: Application for grant of permit for publication of additional journalistic publication/supplement.

6. Form No. 06: Application for grant of permit for operation of online newspaper.

7. Form No. 07: Application for grant of permit for operation of online magazine.

8. Form No. 08: Application for grant of permit for opening of specialized page of online newspaper/online magazine.

9. Form No. 09: Application for grant of permit for operation in two types of press.

10. Form No. 10: Application for grant of permit for publication of newsletter.

11. Form No. 11: Application for grant of permit for publication of special issue.

12. Form No. 12. Permit for operation of print newspaper.

13. Form No. 13: Permit for operation of print magazine.

14. Form No. 14: Permit modifying or supplementing permit for operation of print newspaper/print magazine or permit for publication of additional journalistic publication.

15. Form No. 15: Permit for publication of additional journalistic publication.

16. Form No. 16: Permit for publication of supplement.

17. Form No. 17: Permit for operation of online newspaper.

18. Form No. 18: Permit for operation of online magazine.

19. Form No. 19: Permit modifying or supplementing permit for operation of online newspaper/online magazine.

20. Form No. 20: Permit for opening of specialized page of online newspaper/online magazine.

21. Form No. 21: Permit modifying or supplementing permit for publication of supplement/opening of specialized page of online newspaper/opening of specialized page of online magazine.

22. Form No. 22. Permit for operation of print newspaper and online newspaper.

23. Form No. 23: Permit for operation of print magazine and online magazine.

24. Form No. 24: Permit modifying or supplementing permit for operation of print newspaper and online newspaper/print magazine and online magazine.

25. Form No. 25: Permit for publication of newsletter (granted by the Authority of Press).

26. Form No. 26:  Permit for publication of newsletter (granted by provincial-level People’s Committees/authorized provincial-level specialized agencies).

27. Form No. 27: Permit for publication of special issue.

Article 23. Transitional provisions

The Ministry of Information and Communications shall re-grant permits to press agencies specified in the master plan on press development and management nationwide through 2025; dossiers and procedures must comply with Articles 5, 6, 10, 11, 15 and 16 of this Circular.

Article 24. Effect

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

2. The Circular replaces Circular No. 48/2016/TT-BTTTT of December 26, 2016, guiding in detail the grant of permits for operation of print newspapers and online newspapers; publication of additional publications; opening of specialized pages of online newspapers; publication of supplements; and publication of newsletters and special issues.-

Minister of Information and Communications
NGUYEN MANH HUNG

* The forms promulgated together with this Circular are not traslated.