The state practices a licensing system for the wholesale and retail of publications according to law. Without permission, no unit or individual may engage in the wholesale and retail of publications.

The establishment of a publication retail enterprise or other units or individuals engaged in publication retail business shall meet the following conditions: (1) having a definite name and business scope; (2) At least one person in charge has the professional qualification of publication distributor above junior level or the professional technical qualification of publication distribution above junior level recognized by the General Administration of Press and Publication; (3) Having a fixed business place.

To apply for the establishment of a publication retail enterprise or other units or individuals to engage in the publication retail business, materials must be submitted to the local publishing administrative department.

The materials submitted include: (1) application; (2) An application form for a publication business license; (3) A notice of enterprise approval issued by the industrial and commercial department; (4) a copy of the ID card; (5) Location map of the business premises; (6) Field trip form; (seven) the professional qualifications of the publication distributor; (8) Housing certificate; (9) proof of academic qualifications.

"The administrative department shall make a decision of approval or disapproval within 20 working days from the date of accepting the application, and inform the applicant in writing." After approval, the publication business license will be issued and reported to the administrative department at the next higher level for the record.

It is illegal to operate without a publication business license.