Vietnam: Issuance and revocation of ISBNs

According to Article 9 of the Circular No. 05/2016/TT-BTTTT of the Ministry of Information and Communications of Vietnam, rules for issuance of ISBN are specified as follows:

1. Each book falling in any of the following cases shall be issued a separate ISBN:

- Initially published books;

- Reprinted books with modifications;

- Books that are in multiple languages and each is printed in every language;

- Books of the same contents published in other forms (printed books with hardcover, printed books with soft cover, books with discs, electronic books, Braille books);

- Books with the same contents excluding any of the data prescribed in Clause 1 Article 6 of this Circular (exclusive of prices).

2. An ISBN issued to a title of book shall not be changed or reissued to another title of book.

3. Each publisher may only use ISBNs issued to each title of book. It may not reissue or transfer ISBNs to other publishers or agencies or organizations.

Besides, the Department of Publishing, Printing and Release shall issue ISBNs enclosed with certification of registration for publishing to each title of book. The Department of Publishing, Printing and Release shall revoke issued ISBNs that are not used properly as prescribed.

Notably, methods of revoking ISBNs: Each publisher shall return its issued ISBNs through an annual report as prescribed in Article 3 of this Circular.

View more details at the Circular No. 05/2016/TT-BTTTT of the Ministry of Information and Communications of Vietnam, issued on March 01, 2016.

Le Vy

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