International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- a22162
- May 28
- 7 min read
ISSN Application in Hong Kong
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
Unlike some other countries that have their own national ISSN centers, Hong Kong SAR, China does not have a dedicated ISSN National Centre.
If you need to apply for an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) for a serial publication (like a newspaper, magazine, or journal) published in Hong Kong, you will need to apply directly through the ISSN International Centre located in Paris, France.
You can find information and the application process on their official website: https://portal.issn.org/
Application Process
Since Hong Kong does not have a national ISSN center, the application process for an ISSN for a serial publication published in Hong Kong goes directly through the ISSN International Centre in Paris, France.
Here's a breakdown of the general application process:
1. Determine Eligibility:
Serial Publication: An ISSN is for "serial publications" or "continuing resources." This includes journals, newspapers, magazines, monographic series, annual reports, websites that are updated continuously, and databases.
Different Formats: If your publication exists in multiple formats (e.g., print, online, CD-ROM), each format will generally require a separate ISSN.
Title Consistency: The title of your serial must be consistent across all platforms and within the publication itself.
Place of Publication: While you're in Hong Kong, the ISSN International Centre will process your application.
2. Gather Required Information and Documents: The ISSN International Centre will require specific details and proofs of publication. Be prepared with:
Publication Details:
Title: The exact title of your serial as it appears on the cover/title page.
Publisher Information: Official name, address, and contact details of the publisher.
Frequency of Publication: How often the serial is published (e.g., weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, continuously updated).
Format: Specify if it's print, online, CD-ROM, etc.
Language(s) of Publication: The language(s) in which the content is published.
Starting Year/Date: The year or date the publication began or is expected to begin.
Coverage: Aims and scope of the publication.
URL (for online publications): The electronic address where the publication can be accessed. Ensure the publisher's name and address are visible on the homepage or an easily accessible page.
Proof of Publication (or Mock-up for Forthcoming Serials):
For Print: A complete issue or copies/scans of the cover, title page, and editorial page. The editorial page should clearly show the publisher's name and address.
For Online: The URL (electronic address) of the publication. The name and address of the publisher should be clearly displayed on the publication's homepage or other suitable location. If it's a new online publication, it's generally assigned after the release of the first issue (often requiring a minimum number of articles, e.g., five).
For CD-ROM/Other Physical Media: A sample or copy of the label affixed to the disc/container showing the publisher's name and address.
For Forthcoming Serials: A mock-up or advanced representation showing the requested information. However, for online publications, ISSN is usually assigned only after the first issue is released. For print, it's generally advised not to apply more than three months before the first issue release.
3. Create an Account on the ISSN Portal:
Go to the official ISSN International Centre portal: https://portal.issn.org/
You will need to register and create a publisher's account. This usually involves filling out an online registration form.
Registration Fee: There may be a registration fee, which is mandatory to create your account and access services.
Account Validation: After submitting the registration form, you'll likely receive an email to validate your account and confirm payment.
4. Submit Your ISSN Request:
Once your account is set up and validated, log in to your personal publisher's area on the ISSN Portal.
Look for an option like "Request a new ISSN."
Fill in the detailed web form with all the gathered information about your publication.
Upload the required proof of publication documents (scans, PDFs, screenshots, URLs). Ensure file sizes are within limits (e.g., typically max 10MB per request).
Make sure you have enough "ISSN credits" in your account if the service is chargeable per assignment.
5. Processing and Communication:
Processing Time: The ISSN International Centre aims to process requests within a certain number of working days (e.g., 10-20 working days). This can vary based on workload and completeness of your application. Incomplete applications will lead to delays.
Status Tracking: You can typically track the status of your application through your personal publisher's area on the ISSN Portal. You will also receive email notifications.
Librarian Review: An ISSN librarian will review your request. They may contact you for additional information or clarification.
Assignment: Once approved, the ISSN will be assigned to your publication, and a provisional record will be generated in the ISSN Register.
6. Display the ISSN:
Once assigned, it is crucial to display the ISSN prominently on your serial publication.
For Print: On the front cover (top right corner is preferred), back cover, title page, or colophon.
For Online: On the journal's top page or on a page listing all published issues, alongside its corresponding title.
If your publication has different media versions (e.g., print and online), display both ISSNs with a qualifier (e.g., ISSN 1234-5678 (Print), ISSN 9876-5432 (Online)).
Important Notes:
Fees: While some national ISSN agencies provide ISSNs free of charge, the ISSN International Centre generally charges for ISSN assignments. It's best to check their portal for the latest fee structure.
Accuracy: Provide accurate and complete information. Misleading information can lead to refusal or revocation of an ISSN.
Pre-publication vs. Post-publication: For online publications, ISSNs are typically assigned after the first issue is released and contains a significant number of articles. For print, you can sometimes get an ISSN before the first issue, but you'll need to provide a mock-up and send a copy of the first issue once it's published.
Changes in Title: If your serial's title changes, you will need to apply for a new ISSN.
Fee
Generally, the assignment of an ISSN by a national ISSN center is free of charge. Many countries provide this as a public service to support publishing.
However, since Hong Kong does not have its own national ISSN center, applications for publications from Hong Kong are handled directly by the ISSN International Centre in Paris, France.
Here's the key:
The ISSN International Centre charges a fee for ISSN assignments for publishers in countries without their own national center, or for international organizations.
Based on information from the ISSN International Centre's own resources:
"ISSN assignment is a chargeable service. An ISSN request shall cost between 25 € and 50 € as per the country the publisher is located in. Service packages are also available on request." (This was stated in guidelines from 2020, so current rates should be confirmed on their portal).
You typically need to purchase "ISSN credits" within your publisher's account on their portal. One credit usually equals one ISSN assignment.
The initial registration fee to set up your account on the ISSN Portal often includes one credit for an ISSN assignment.
Therefore, for a publication from Hong Kong, you should expect to pay a fee to the ISSN International Centre.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date fee information, you must visit the official ISSN International Centre portal:
Look for sections related to "Pricing," "Fees," "Publishers' Area," or "How to apply for an ISSN" after you register an account. They will outline the current costs for registration and ISSN assignment.
For the most up-to-date and specific instructions, always refer to the official ISSN International Centre website at https://portal.issn.org/. They also have detailed FAQs and guidelines for publishers.
Some Hong Kong-based companies and service providers may offer assistance with the ISSN application process as part of their business services, but the official assignment ultimately comes from the ISSN International Centre.
How Bestar can Help
Bestar can offer valuable assistance to publishers in the region who need an ISSN. Our help primarily revolves around navigating the international application process and ensuring compliance with local requirements.
Here's how we can help:
1. Company Formation and Business Registration:
Setting up a publishing company: Bestar assists with the incorporation of a company in Hong Kong (e.g., a private limited company), which is often a prerequisite for serious publishing activities and a requirement for some official registrations.
Business Registration Certificate: We help ensure your publishing entity is properly registered with the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department, obtaining the necessary Business Registration Certificate. This certificate is often required for various other business operations and applications.
2. Guidance on ISSN Application Process:
Understanding requirements: We can explain the specific requirements of the ISSN International Centre, including the types of publications eligible, necessary documentation (cover, title page, editorial info, URL for online, etc.), and the differences between print and online ISSNs.
Pre-application assessment: We can help assess if your publication meets the ISSN International Centre's criteria before you formally apply, saving time and potential rejection.
Clarifying fees and credits: We can advise on the current fee structure for ISSN assignments from the ISSN International Centre and how to purchase "ISSN credits" on their portal.
3. Document Preparation and Review:
Collecting and organizing documents: We can assist in gathering all the necessary local company documents (e.g., Business Registration Certificate, Certificate of Incorporation) and publication-specific materials (e.g., mock-ups, cover pages, editorial details).
4. Facilitating the Online Application:
Account creation on ISSN Portal: We can guide you through or directly assist with creating a publisher's account on the ISSN International Centre's online portal.
Form filling: We can help accurately complete the online application forms, ensuring all fields are correctly filled and no crucial information is missed.
Uploading documents: We can assist with uploading the required supporting documents to the ISSN Portal, ensuring they are in the correct format and within size limits.
5. Liaison with the ISSN International Centre:
Communication point: While the application is directly with the ISSN International Centre, Bestar acts as a communication point if the publisher prefers to deal through a local agent, helping to relay requests for more information or clarifications from the ISSN librarians.
Following up on application status: We can help track the progress of your ISSN application and alert you to any issues or requests for further information.
6. Post-Assignment Advice:
Legal deposit (for ISBN): While not directly for ISSN, Bestar also handles ISBN applications for books. We can advise on the legal deposit requirements in Hong Kong for published works (e.g., depositing copies with the Hong Kong Public Libraries' Books Registration Office), which applies to both books and serials.
Why use Bestar?
Local knowledge: We understand the local business environment, company registration laws, and any specific nuances related to publishing in Hong Kong.
Language proficiency: We can bridge any language gaps between local publishers and the international ISSN Centre.
Time-saving: We can streamline the process, ensuring all documents are prepared correctly the first time, potentially reducing delays in ISSN assignment.
Expertise: We have experience dealing with the ISSN International Centre and can anticipate common issues or requirements.