(Promulgated by Decree No. 315 of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China on August 2, 2001; first amended on February 6, 2016; second amended on March 1, 2017; third amended on November 29, 2020)

Chapter I  General Provisions

Article 1

These Regulations are formulated for the purpose of strengthening the administration of the printing industry, safeguarding the lawful rights and interests of printing business operators and the public interest, and promoting the development of socialist spiritual and material civilization.

Article 2

These Regulations apply to printing business activities involving publications, packaging and decoration printed products, and other printed materials.

For the purposes of these Regulations, publications include newspapers, periodicals, books, maps, New Year pictures, images, wall calendars, albums, audiovisual products, and the covers and bindings of electronic publications.

Packaging and decoration printed products include trademark labels, advertising and promotional materials, and printed paper, metal, plastic, or other materials used for product packaging and decoration.

Other printed materials include documents, materials, charts, tickets, certificates, business cards, and similar items.

Printing business activities refer to commercial activities such as typesetting, plate making, printing, binding, photocopying, duplicating, and digital printing.

Article 3

Printing business operators shall comply with relevant laws, administrative regulations, and rules, and give due consideration to social benefits.

The printing of publications, packaging and decoration printed products, or other printed materials containing reactionary, obscene, superstitious, or other content expressly prohibited by the State is strictly forbidden.

Article 4

The publishing administrative department under the State Council shall be responsible for nationwide supervision and administration of the printing industry. Publishing administrative departments of local people’s governments at or above the county level shall be responsible for supervision and administration within their respective administrative regions.

Public security authorities, market regulation authorities, and other relevant departments shall perform supervisory responsibilities within their respective scopes of authority.

Article 5

Printing business operators shall establish and improve systems for print order verification, order registration, storage of printed materials, delivery management, and destruction of defective printed products. Specific implementation measures shall be formulated by the publishing administrative department under the State Council.

Where illegal or criminal activities are discovered during printing operations, the printing business operator shall promptly report them to the public security authority or the publishing administrative department.

Article 6

Printing industry social organizations shall conduct self-regulation in accordance with their charters under the guidance of the publishing administrative departments.

Article 7

Printing enterprises shall regularly submit annual reports to the publishing administrative departments, which shall disclose relevant information to the public in accordance with the law.

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Chapter II  Establishment of Printing Enterprises

Article 8

The State implements a licensing system for printing business operations. No entity or individual may engage in printing business activities without obtaining a Printing Business License in accordance with these Regulations.

Article 9

An enterprise engaging in printing business activities shall meet the following conditions:

 1. Possession of a lawful enterprise name and articles of association;

 2. A clearly defined scope of business;

 3. Appropriate premises, capital, equipment, and other operational conditions suitable for the approved business scope;

 4. Organizational structure and personnel compatible with the business scope;

 5. Other conditions prescribed by laws and administrative regulations.

Approval of printing business applications shall also comply with national planning requirements concerning the total number, structure, and geographic distribution of printing enterprises.

Article 10

Enterprises applying to engage in publication printing shall submit an application with their business license to the publishing administrative department of the provincial-level people’s government. Upon approval, a Printing Business License shall be issued.

Enterprises applying to engage in packaging and decoration printing or other printing activities shall submit applications to the publishing administrative department of the municipal people’s government at the districted-city level. Upon approval, a Printing Business License shall be issued.

Individuals are prohibited from engaging in publication printing or packaging and decoration printing. Individuals engaging in other printing activities shall complete approval procedures in accordance with the preceding paragraph.

Article 11

The publishing administrative department shall decide whether to approve or reject an application within 60 days from the date of receipt. If approved, a Printing Business License shall be issued; if rejected, the applicant shall be notified in writing with reasons stated.

The Printing Business License shall specify the types of printing business activities authorized.

The Printing Business License may not be sold, leased, lent, or transferred in any form.

Article 12

Where a printing business operator applies to expand, change, merge, divide, or otherwise alter its approved printing business activities, relevant procedures shall be completed in accordance with Article 9 of these Regulations.

Where a printing business operator changes its name, legal representative, principal person in charge, registered address, business premises, or terminates printing operations, it shall file a record with the original approving publishing administrative department.

Article 13

Publishing administrative departments shall promote information sharing with public security authorities, market regulation authorities, and other relevant departments in accordance with the national social credit information platform requirements.

Article 14

The State permits foreign investors to establish joint ventures with Chinese investors for publication printing, and permits wholly foreign-owned enterprises to engage in packaging and decoration printing and other printing activities.

Article 15

Any entity establishing an internal printing facility shall register with the local publishing administrative department at or above the county level. Where state secrets are involved, registration with the secrecy administration authority is also required.

Internal printing facilities may not engage in commercial printing operations unless approval procedures under this Chapter are completed.

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Chapter III Printing of Publications

Article 16

The State encourages enterprises engaged in publishing and printing activities to promptly produce publications that reflect outstanding new cultural achievements from both China and abroad, and to give priority to the printing of classical works of traditional culture and valuable academic publications.

Article 17

Enterprises engaged in publication printing activities shall not print publications expressly prohibited by the State, nor publications issued by entities without publishing qualifications.

Article 18

For the printing of publications, the commissioning party and the printing enterprise shall enter into a printing contract in accordance with relevant national regulations.

Article 19

When a printing enterprise undertakes the printing of books or periodicals commissioned by publishing entities, it shall verify and retain the official printing authorization letter bearing the seal of the publisher, and file such letter with the publishing administrative department of the people’s government at the provincial, autonomous regional, or municipal level where the publisher is located prior to printing.

Where the publisher is located outside the province, autonomous region, or municipality in which the printing enterprise is located, the printing authorization letter shall also be filed in advance with the publishing administrative department of the printing enterprise’s place of registration.

The format of the printing authorization letter shall be uniformly prescribed by the publishing administrative department under the State Council, and the filing work shall be carried out uniformly by the publishing administrative departments of the people’s governments at the provincial, autonomous regional, or municipal level.

When printing enterprises accept commissions from publishing entities to print newspapers, they shall verify the newspaper publishing license. When printing supplements or special issues of newspapers or periodicals, they shall also verify the approval documents issued by the competent publishing administrative department.

Article 20

When a printing enterprise undertakes the printing of internal reference publications, it shall verify the printing permit issued by the publishing administrative department of the local people’s government at or above the county level.

Where the commissioned internal publication involves religious content, the printing enterprise shall verify both the approval document issued by the religious affairs administrative department of the people’s government at the provincial, autonomous regional, or municipal level, and the printing permit issued by the publishing administrative department at the same level.

The publishing administrative department shall decide whether to grant the printing permit within 30 days from the date of receipt of the application and notify the applicant. Failure to make a decision within the prescribed time limit shall be deemed approval.

Article 21

Where a printing enterprise undertakes the commissioned printing of overseas publications, it shall present lawful documents certifying copyright ownership and obtain approval from the publishing administrative department of the people’s government at the provincial, autonomous regional, or municipal level.

All printed overseas publications shall be transported out of the country and shall not be distributed or circulated within the territory of China.

Article 22

A printing enterprise entrusted with printing shall, in accordance with relevant State regulations, clearly indicate on the printed publications the name and address of the publishing entity, the book number, publication number or edition number, the publication date or issue number, as well as the true name and address of the printing enterprise, and other required information.

Printing enterprises shall retain a sample copy of the commissioned publication for inspection for a period of two years from the date of completion of printing.

Article 23

Printing enterprises shall not engage in unauthorized reproduction of publications, nor shall they sell, conduct unauthorized additional print runs, or accept third-party commissions for additional printings of commissioned publications.

Printing enterprises shall not sell, lease, lend, or otherwise transfer paper patterns, printing plates, negatives, or other printing materials of commissioned publications to any entity or individual.

Article 24

Printing enterprises shall not subscribe to or sell publications, nor shall they print or sell publications under a false name or by impersonating another entity or individual.

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Chapter IV Printing of Packaging and Decoration

Article 25

Enterprises engaged in the printing of packaging and decorative materials shall not produce counterfeit or forged registered trademark labels, nor shall they print advertising materials or packaging and decoration materials that mislead consumers.

Article 26

When a printing enterprise accepts a commission to print registered trademark labels, it shall verify the copy of the Trademark Registration Certificate bearing the seal of the administrative department for market regulation at or above the county level where the trademark registrant is located, and examine the registered trademark design provided by the commissioning party.

Where the commission is made by a registered trademark licensee, the printing enterprise shall also verify the trademark licensing agreement.

The printing enterprise shall retain copies of the Trademark Registration Certificate, trademark design, and trademark licensing agreement, all bearing the seals of the administrative department for market regulation, for a period of two years for inspection.

Where the State has other provisions regarding the printing of registered trademark labels, such provisions shall be observed.

Article 27

When a printing enterprise accepts commissioned printing of advertising materials or printed materials for product packaging and decoration, it shall verify the business license of the commissioning entity or the resident identity card of the individual. Where the commission is from an advertising operator, it shall also verify the advertising operation qualification certificate.

Article 28

When a printing enterprise undertakes the commissioned printing of packaging and decorative materials, it shall deliver all printed items—including finished products, semi-finished products, defective items, printing plates, paper patterns, negatives, and original manuscripts—to the commissioning entity or individual, and shall not retain any such materials without authorization.

Article 29

Printing enterprises that undertake commissioned printing of overseas packaging and decorative materials shall file a record in advance with the publishing administrative department of the people’s government at the provincial, autonomous regional, or municipal level where they are located.

All printed overseas packaging and decorative materials shall be exported and shall not be sold within the territory of China.

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Chapter V Printing of Other Printed Materials

Article 30

The printing of documents, materials, charts, or other items bearing classification markings shall be conducted in accordance with relevant State laws, administrative regulations, and rules.

Article 31

Where official notices, announcements, work permits for major events, passes, or tickets intended for public circulation are commissioned for printing, the commissioning entity shall provide the printing enterprise with a certification document issued by the competent authority.

The printing enterprise shall verify such certification and retain a copy for inspection for a period of two years, and shall not subcontract the printing of such materials to any third party.

For valuable or non-valuable tickets used internally by government agencies, organizations, military units, or enterprises, as well as special certificates bearing organizational names—such as letters of introduction, work permits, membership cards, access permits, degree certificates, academic certificates, or other educational credentials—the commissioning entity shall provide a printing authorization certificate, which the printing enterprise shall verify.

Printing enterprises shall not retain samples or sample sheets of the above-mentioned printed materials. Where retention is necessary for business reference, consent from the commissioning entity shall be obtained, and the retained materials shall be clearly stamped with “Sample” or “Sample Sheet” and properly safeguarded.

Article 32

When a printing enterprise undertakes the commissioned printing of religious materials, it shall verify the approval documents issued by the religious affairs administrative department of the people’s government at the provincial, autonomous regional, or municipal level, as well as the printing permit issued by the publishing administrative department at the same level.

The publishing administrative department shall decide whether to grant the printing permit within 10 days from the date of receipt of the application and notify the applicant. Failure to make a decision within the prescribed time limit shall be deemed approval.

Article 33

Individuals engaged in other printing-related business activities shall not print classified documents, materials, or charts; shall not print notices, announcements, work permits for major events, passes, or tickets for public circulation; shall not print valuable or non-valuable internal tickets of government agencies, organizations, military units, or enterprises; shall not print special certificates bearing organizational names; and shall not print religious items.

Article 34

For the commissioned printing of other overseas publications, prior filing with the publishing administrative department of the people’s government at the provincial, autonomous regional, or municipal level where the entity is located is required.

All printed materials shall be exported and shall not be sold within the territory of China.

Article 35

Printing enterprises and individuals engaged in other printing activities shall not engage in any of the following acts:

(1) reproducing printed materials of others without authorization;

(2) selling, conducting unauthorized reprints of, or accepting third-party commissions to reprint commissioned materials;

(3) selling, leasing, lending, or otherwise transferring paper patterns or printing plates/negatives of commissioned materials to any other entity or individual.

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Chapter VI  Penalties

Article 36

Any entity that establishes a publishing or printing business without authorization, or engages in printing operations without the required approval, in violation of these Regulations, shall be ordered to cease operations by the publishing administrative department and the market regulation (industrial and commercial) authorities within their respective statutory powers. Printed materials, illegal proceeds, and specialized equipment used for illegal activities shall be confiscated.

Where the amount of illegal business turnover exceeds RMB 10,000, a fine of five to ten times the illegal turnover shall be imposed; where it is less than RMB 10,000, a fine of RMB 10,000 to RMB 50,000 shall be imposed. Where a crime is constituted, criminal liability shall be pursued in accordance with law.

Where a printing factory or printing office is established within an organization and engages in printing activities without completing the procedures prescribed in Chapter II of these Regulations, penalties shall be imposed in accordance with the preceding paragraph.

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Article 37

Where a printing business operator commits any of the following acts in violation of these Regulations, the publishing administrative department of the people’s government at or above the county level shall impose the following penalties:

(1) ordering cessation of illegal activities and suspension of business for rectification;

(2) confiscation of printed materials and illegal proceeds;

(3) a fine of five to ten times the illegal turnover where the amount exceeds RMB 10,000; or

(4) a fine of RMB 10,000 to RMB 50,000 where the amount is less than RMB 10,000.

In serious cases, the original licensing authority shall revoke the printing business license. Where a crime is constituted, criminal liability shall be pursued in accordance with law.

The prohibited acts include:

(1) engaging in, altering, or merging printing business activities involving publications, packaging and decoration materials, or other printed materials without approval;

(2) establishing a new printing business through merger or division without completing the prescribed procedures;

(3) selling, leasing, lending, or otherwise transferring a printing business license.

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Article 38

Where a printing business operator knowingly or negligently prints publications, packaging or decorative materials, or other printed materials containing content prohibited under Article 3 of these Regulations, or prints publications explicitly prohibited by the state or published by non-publishing entities, the publishing administrative department and public security organs of the people’s government at or above the county level shall, within their statutory authority, order suspension of operations for rectification, confiscate printed materials and illegal proceeds.

If the illegal turnover exceeds RMB 10,000, a fine of five to ten times the illegal turnover shall be imposed; if it is less than RMB 10,000, a fine of RMB 10,000 to RMB 50,000 shall be imposed. In serious cases, the original licensing authority shall revoke the license. Where a crime is constituted, criminal liability shall be pursued according to law.

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Article 39

Where a printing business operator commits any of the following acts, the publishing administrative department or public security organ of the people’s government at or above the county level shall order correction and issue a warning; in serious cases, the operator shall be ordered to suspend business for rectification or have its license revoked by the original licensing authority:

(1) failure to establish verification, registration, storage, delivery, or disposal systems for printed materials and defective products;

(2) failure to promptly report discovered illegal or criminal acts in printing activities;

(3) failure to apply for approval when changing key registration items such as name, legal representative or principal, registered address, or business premises, or when terminating operations;

(4) failure to retain materials for inspection as required.

Where any unit establishes a printing factory or printing office without completing registration with the publishing administrative department and confidentiality authority, it shall be ordered to rectify and issued a warning; in serious cases, suspension for rectification shall be ordered.

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Article 40

Where an enterprise engaged in publication printing commits any of the following acts, the publishing administrative department of the people’s government at or above the county level shall impose penalties including a warning, confiscation of illegal proceeds, fines, suspension for rectification, or revocation of the license; where a crime is constituted, criminal liability shall be pursued:

(1) accepting printing commissions without verifying printing commission letters, certificates, or licenses, or failing to file as required;

(2) printing or publishing under a false name or by misappropriating another’s identity;

(3) stealing or forging publications;

(4) illegally reprinting or selling commissioned publications;

(5) subscribing to or selling publications;

(6) transferring paper patterns or printing plates/negatives of commissioned publications;

(7) printing overseas publications without approval or failing to export all printed copies.

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Article 41

Where enterprises engaged in packaging and decoration printing commit any of the following acts, the publishing administrative department shall impose penalties including warnings, confiscation of illegal gains, fines, suspension for rectification, or license revocation; where a crime is constituted, criminal liability shall be pursued:

(1) failing to verify trademark registration certificates, trademark designs, or licensing agreements;

(2) failing to verify business licenses, identity documents, or advertising qualifications as required;

(3) counterfeiting others’ packaging or decorative printed materials;

(4) printing overseas packaging or decorative materials without filing or failing to export them.

Where violations involve trademark or advertising management, the market regulation authority shall impose penalties in accordance with relevant laws.

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Article 42

Where enterprises or individuals engaged in other printing activities commit any of the following acts, the publishing administrative department shall impose penalties including warnings, confiscation, fines, suspension for rectification, or license revocation; where a crime is constituted, criminal liability shall be pursued:

(1) accepting commissions without verifying required certificates;

(2) subcontracting commissioned printing without authorization;

(3) transferring paper patterns or printing plates/negatives;

(4) forging or altering official certificates or producing counterfeit printed materials;

(5) illegally reprinting or selling commissioned materials;

(6) printing overseas materials without filing or failing to export them;

(7) exceeding the approved scope of business.

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Article 43

Where any entity commits any of the following acts, penalties including warnings, confiscation, fines, suspension, or license revocation shall be imposed; where a crime is constituted, criminal liability shall be pursued:

(1) printing notices, permits, passes, tickets, or certificates for public circulation without approval;

(2) forging or altering official documents or certificates.

Where printing is conducted without required certification, fines ranging from RMB 500 to RMB 5,000 shall be imposed.

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Article 44

Where a printing business operator commits any of the following acts, the publishing administrative department shall order correction and issue a warning; in serious cases, suspension for rectification or license revocation shall be imposed:

(1) unauthorized retention of commissioned packaging or decorative printing materials or related production materials;

(2) unauthorized retention of samples or sample sheets without proper marking.

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Article 45

Where a printing enterprise has its license revoked, its legal representative or responsible person shall be prohibited from holding such positions for ten years from the date of revocation.

Individuals whose licenses are revoked shall be prohibited from engaging in printing operations for ten years.

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Article 46

For fines imposed under these Regulations, the separation of decision and collection shall be implemented in accordance with law, and all fines collected shall be turned over to the state treasury.

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Article 47

Where publishing administrative departments or other authorities approve licenses or fail to perform supervisory duties in violation of these Regulations, resulting in serious consequences, responsible personnel shall be subject to administrative sanctions. Where a crime is constituted, criminal liability shall be pursued.

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Chapter VII  Supplementary Provisions

Article 48

Printing enterprises legally established prior to the implementation of these Regulations shall, within 180 days of the effective date, apply for replacement of their Printing Business Licenses.

No fees beyond statutory cost fees shall be charged for licenses issued under these Regulations.

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Article 49

These Regulations shall enter into force on the date of promulgation. The Regulations on the Administration of the Printing Industry promulgated on March 8, 1997 shall be repealed simultaneously.

(The English translations are for reference only)