The Regulation allows a charge to be made, does not fix the amount, and imposes a ceiling.
The Text
Article 48 of the Press Card Regulation: for the cards to be issued under this Regulation, a card fee together with a service fee for their printing and distribution may be charged, provided these do not exceed their cost. Matters relating to the collection and spending of the amounts charged are determined by the Directorate.
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Charges that may be made | Card fee + printing and distribution service fee |
| Ceiling | May not exceed cost |
| Mandatory? | The article says "may be charged" - the discretion is the Directorate's |
| Amount | Not stated in the Regulation; determined by the Directorate |
| Collection and spending | Determined by the Directorate |
Where to Find the Current Amount
The Regulation gives no figure; the amount and the collection procedure are set by the Directorate of Communications. For the current fee, check the announcements on the Directorate's press card page.
Which Transactions Can Attract a Charge
Art. 48 speaks of "the cards to be issued under this Regulation", so every case in which a card is issued falls within scope:
- Issue of a card on a first application
- Renewal of a card whose validity has expired (Art. 47)
- A general card replacement, which the Directorate may decide on (Art. 43)
- Reissue on account of loss or wear (Art. 45)
- A new card after a change of workplace or title (Arts. 36, 37)
- A press traffic card on request (Art. 44)
The Application Itself Is Electronic
Under Art. 28 the application is made by completing the press card declaration on the Directorate's website in electronic form. During the application it is mandatory to upload a passport photograph and a document evidencing at least six months of professional work.
The printout of the electronically completed declaration is approved by the owners of the media outlets or by the persons authorised in the trade registry.
Summary
- Art. 48 allows a card fee and a printing and distribution service fee, capped at cost.
- The amount and the collection procedure are set by the Directorate, not by the Regulation.
- This is a cost reimbursement, not a duty.
- Every issue of a card - first application, renewal, replacement, loss, title change, traffic card - falls within the scope of the article.