ISSN & ISBN APPLICATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Q：  What are International Standard Book Number (ISBN) and International Standard- Serial Number (ISSN) respectively?

A：ISBN and ISSN is the only identity code established for information control, exchange, retrieval of various media publications (newspapers, periodicals, journals and books). ISBN refers to International Standard Book Number of publications without a fixed schedule, and ISSN refers to International Standard Serial Number of periodical publications.

Q：What is the difference between ISBN and ISSN?

A：ISBN applies to books, brochures, microfilm reproductions, educative TV or films, mixed media publications, computer software, maps, and e-publications. ISSN applies to newspapers and magazines.

Q：What information needs to be submitted in order to apply for ISBN?

A：Information to be submitted is as follows:

Copy of business registration certificate of registered Hong Kong publisher and copy of ID card or passport of the applicant;

Valid Hong Kong address.

5-7 books published shall be filed and registered with relevant governmental department, It will take about 7 workdays to apply for ISBN.

Q：What information needs to be submitted in order to apply for ISSN?

A：Information to be submitted as follows:

Copies of business registration certificate and certificate of incorporation of the company;

Cover, back cover and index page of the publication to be printed;

3-4 books published shall be filed with relevant governmental department ,It will take about 14 workdays to apply for ISSN.

Q：In which manner shall the monthly be published in order to be given free by the publisher, with most of the content being advertising?

A：If the monthly is distributed free by the publisher, it's only necessary to apply for ISSN. The requirement of application for ISSN shall be a Hong Kong company incorporated, and the application shall be made in the name of the Hong Kong Company.

Q：Is it enough to apply for ISSN for publishing fashion magazines to be given free by the publisher?

A：The fashion magazine can be operated but not sold in China after successful application of ISSN . It can only be given free by the publisher . To apply ISSN, it's necessary to provide the certificate of incorporation, business registration certificate, title of publication, cover, back cover and index, copyright page.