Procedures for the issuance of Film Rating Licenses in Vietnam

Procedures for the issuance of Film Rating Licenses in Vietnam (Internet image)

Regarding this matter, LawNet would like to answer as follows: 

1. Applications for the issuance of Film Rating Licenses in Vietnam

According to Clause 3, Article 27 of the Law on Cinematography 2022, applications for the issuance of Film Rating Licenses include:

- A written request for the issuance of the Film Rating License according to the form stipulated by the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam;

- A copy of the document proving the legal ownership or rights to use the film;

- The completed film;

- The Vietnamese-dub version of the film for foreign films.

2. Procedures for the issuance of Film Rating Licenses in Vietnam

According to Clause 4, Article 27 of the Law on Cinematography 2022, the procedures for the issuance of Film Rating Licenses are as follows:

- Organizations and individuals shall submit a dossier of applications via the National Public Service Portal, by post, or directly to the competent state agency prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 27 of the Law on Cinematography 2022;

- Within 15 days after receiving the valid applications, competent state agencies shall issue Film Rating Licenses according to the form stipulated by the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam; in case of refusal, notify and provide written explanations.

In case the film is subject to content adjustment or the application is subject to amendments or supplements of information at the request of competent state agencies prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article, within 15 days after receiving the adjusted film or 10 days after receiving the amended and supplemented application, competent state agencies shall issue the License.

3. Rights and tasks of cinematographic facilities that disseminate films in Vietnam

Rights and tasks of cinematographic facilities that disseminate films according to Article 18 of the Law on Cinematography 2022 are as follows:

* Cinematographic facilities that disseminate films may:

- Disseminate films according to the law;

- Promote films and provide other services for viewers according to the law.

* Cinematographic facilities that disseminate films shall:

- Ensure the film dissemination follows the registered business and assigned or approved functions and tasks;

- Only distribute films with Film Rating Licenses or Broadcast Decisions, except for the case of self-rating of films as prescribed in Point b Clause 2 Article 21 of the Law on Cinematography 2022;

- Ensure the criteria for film dissemination for each form of film dissemination;

- Show film rating and warning according to regulations promulgated by the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam;

- Terminate the dissemination of films at the written request of a competent state agency.

4. Regulations on Film Appraisal and Rating Board in Vietnam

Regulations on the Film Appraisal and Rating Board according to Article 31 of the Law on Cinematography 2022 are as follows:

- The competence in establishing Film Appraisal and Rating Boards is as follows:

+ The Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam shall establish the Film Appraisal and Rating Board of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam;

+ Chairmen of People’s Committees of provinces shall establish Film Appraisal and Rating Board of such provinces or centrally affiliated cities;

+ Heads of press agencies with licenses to operate in the field of television shall establish Film Appraisal and Rating Boards of such press agencies.

- The Film Appraisal and Rating Board shall provide advisory services for competent state agencies before they issue Film Rating Licenses or Broadcast Decisions. The Appraisal and Rating Board composition includes cinematographic specialists, experts, and managers of relevant fields and shall ensure gender equality.

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