Want to print your book in China but worried about censorship, ISBNs, and regulations?
Here is the good news: If you are printing books for export (to sell in the USA, Europe, etc.), the process is much simpler than you think. You do not need the same licenses as someone publishing inside China.
1. Do You Need a Chinese ISBN? (The Short Answer: NO)
This is the most common misconception for international authors printing in China.
Here is the simple rule:
- ✅ Printing for Export (Your Case):
If you are shipping your books OUT of China (to USA, Europe, Australia, etc.), you do NOT need a Chinese ISBN. You only need your own country’s ISBN (e.g., from Bowker in the US or Nielsen in the UK). - ❌ Publishing INSIDE China:
Only if you plan to SELL your books in Chinese bookstores to Chinese citizens do you need a Chinese ISBN and a local publishing partner.
Mainland Printing specializes in “Printing for Export”. We handle the customs clearance, so you don’t need any Chinese publishing licenses.
2. What Content Can Be Printed? (The Safety Checklist)
Contrary to popular belief, printing in China is very open for international projects. We use a simple “Traffic Light” system to check your content:
✅ Green Light (Safe to Print)
95% of export orders fall here. No special review needed.
- Children’s Books & Picture Books
- Cookbooks, Art & Photography (Non-nude)
- Business Catalogs & Manuals
- Graphic Novels (Standard Fantasy/Sci-Fi)
- English Bibles (For personal/church use abroad)
⚠️ Yellow Light (Free Check Needed)
May require a quick check by our compliance team.
- Maps (Must not contradict official borders)
- Religious Texts with specific political doctrines
- Artistic Nudity (Case-by-case basis)
- Historical/Political Non-fiction
❌ Red Light (Cannot Print)
Strictly prohibited regulations.
- Hardcore Pornography
- Content promoting violence or separatism
- Politically Anti-Government material
- Religious Proselytizing aimed at China
3. How We Protect Your Copyright
Protecting your Intellectual Property (IP) is our top priority. As a professional printer serving global clients for over 20 years, we adhere to strict IP protection standards.
- Berne Convention Protection: China is a signatory to the Berne Convention. Your copyright is automatically protected under international law the moment your work is created.
- NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement): We are happy to sign a strict NDA before you send us any files. Your files are stored on secure, encrypted servers and are never shared with third parties.
- Destruction of Waste: Any misprinted sheets or overruns during the production process are securely destroyed (shredded) at our factory to prevent unauthorized circulation.
🛡️ Still Unsure About Your Content?
Don’t guess. Send us a PDF draft (or just the specific pages you are worried about). Our compliance team will confirm if it’s safe to print.
100% Confidential & Free.
Response typically within 12 hours.
