581100Publishing of books, directories and mailing lists
書籍、工商名錄及郵寄名冊出版
Why 6 digits?
HSIC subclasses are 6 digits. The first four match the international ISIC class; Hong Kong adds a two-digit local suffix for finer detail, especially across its import and export trade, so a code steps from a 4-digit class straight to a 6-digit subclass. More on the HSIC structure.
This activity involves the publishing of various types of printed and digital materials, including books, directories, and mailing lists. It encompasses the production of atlases, maps, charts, audio books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other similar publications, whether in physical or electronic formats.
This classification includes
- printing and publishing of books for sale
- publishing of atlases, maps and charts
- publishing of audio books
- publishing of books, brochures, leaflets and similar publications
- publishing of dictionaries and encyclopedias
- publishing of encyclopedias on CD-ROM form
- publishing of mailing lists
- publishing of telephone books
- publishing of other directories and compilations
Classified elsewhere
These activities look similar but belong under different codes.
- activities of independent authors
- production of globes
- publishing of advertising material
- publishing of music and sheet books
Licences and approvals
What this activity needs to operate
No sector-specific licence applies to this activity. It can be set up as a standard Hong Kong company without extra regulatory approvals. Premises-based or product-based permits can still apply case by case; Emerhub confirms the exact position during scoping.
Offshore profits claim feasibility
LowPublishing activities are typically tied to local premises and customers in Hong Kong. Contracts for publishing services are usually negotiated and concluded within the region, making it difficult to qualify for offshore treatment.
Business registration wording
Suggested business nature for this activity
English
PUBLISHING OF BOOKS, DIRECTORIES AND MAILING LISTS
50/60 characters
Chinese 中文
書籍工商名錄及郵寄名冊出版
13/30 characters
Standard compliance
Compliance every Hong Kong company shares
Beyond anything specific to this activity, every Hong Kong company handles two-tiered profits tax, the annual return (Form NAR1) within 42 days of its incorporation anniversary, audited accounts, MPF enrolment for staff, and a company secretary. Emerhub runs all of it on your behalf.
See the full Hong Kong compliance calendarFrequently asked questions
Do I need a license to publish books?
No specific license is required for publishing books in Hong Kong, but you must comply with copyright laws.
Can I publish books in multiple languages?
Yes, you can publish books in any language, provided you adhere to local regulations and copyright laws.
What are the tax implications for publishing?
Profits from publishing are subject to Hong Kong profits tax unless qualifying for offshore treatment, which is unlikely.
Incorporate in Hong Kong
Starting a publishing of books, directories and mailing lists business in Hong Kong?
Emerhub incorporates your company, registers the business nature above with the IRD, files every licence application, and runs your company secretary and compliance calendar. You provide the documents; Emerhub handles every government interaction.
Start incorporation with Emerhub