Promulgated by the State Council on June 27, 2003
Amended in accordance with the Decision on Amending Certain Administrative Regulations adopted by the State Council on February 6, 2016
Amended in accordance with the Decision on Amending Certain Administrative Regulations adopted by the State Council on March 19, 2020
Effective: September 1, 2003
Table of Contents
Chapter I — General Provisions
Article 1 — These Regulations are formulated for the purposes of strengthening the administration of the publication market, standardizing publication market business activities, promoting the development and prosperity of the socialist publication industry, and meeting the needs of the people’s spiritual and cultural life.
Article 2 — For the purposes of these Regulations, “publication market” means the market formed by the issuance activities of publications such as books, newspapers, periodicals, audio-visual products, and electronic publications.
Article 3 — Publication market business activities shall adhere to the orientation of serving the people and serving socialism, and shall carry forward the excellent traditional Chinese culture and advanced socialist culture.
Article 4 — The press and publication administrative department under the State Council shall be responsible for the supervision and administration of the publication market nationwide.
Chapter II — Administration of Publication Entities
Article 5 — The establishment of a publication distribution enterprise shall meet the conditions prescribed by the state, and may only engage in publication distribution business after obtaining a Publication Business Permit.
Article 6 — Publication distribution enterprises include general distributors, wholesale enterprises, chain operation enterprises and retail enterprises.
Article 7 — Foreign-invested publication distribution enterprises shall comply with the relevant state provisions on foreign investment access.
Article 8 — Publication distribution enterprises shall establish and improve business management systems, and shall comply with the relevant state provisions on publication distribution.
Chapter III — Publication Content Management
Article 9 — Publication distribution enterprises shall not distribute publications that contain prohibited content under laws and regulations.
Article 10 — Publication distribution enterprises shall establish a publication content review system, and shall not distribute illegally published publications or publications whose distribution is expressly prohibited.
Article 11 — Publication distribution enterprises shall keep distribution records and retain them in accordance with regulations for inspection.
Chapter IV — Distribution of Publications
Article 12 — Publication distribution enterprises shall purchase publications from legally established publication entities and shall not purchase illegal publications.
Article 13 — Publication distribution enterprises shall publicly display their business permits at their places of business.
Article 14 — Organizers of large-scale publication distribution activities shall report to the press and publication administrative department for approval in accordance with regulations.
Article 15 — The press and publication administrative department shall establish a credit file system for publication market operators.
Chapter V — Legal Liability
Article 16 — Where an entity or individual engages in publication distribution business without authorization, the press and publication administrative department shall ban it and confiscate its illegal gains.
Article 17 — Where a publication distribution enterprise distributes prohibited publications, the press and publication administrative department shall order it to cease the distribution, confiscate the publications and illegal gains, and impose a fine.
Article 18 — These Regulations shall come into force on September 1, 2003.
Disclaimer: This translation is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, this is an unofficial translation and may not reflect the most current amendments or interpretations. For authoritative legal guidance, please consult the official Chinese text and seek advice from qualified legal professionals. Dan Young Business Consultancy makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of this translation. Use of this translation is at your own risk.
Free PDF download of the complete article.
