Tiếng Việt
中文Quick answer: An overlapping seal (dấu giáp lai) is stamped across the middle of the right edge of a document of 2 or more pages to ensure integrity; a suspended seal (dấu treo) is stamped on the top-left corner of the first page of an appendix or attached document. Both are lawful uses of the seal under Decree 30/2020/ND-CP on clerical work, but they differ in placement and purpose.
Legal Basis
- Decree 30/2020/ND-CP on clerical work — management and use of seals.
Overlapping Seal (dấu giáp lai)
- Placement: stamped across the middle of the right edge of the document, spanning the pages;
- Applies to: documents of 2 or more pages;
- Purpose: to ensure the pages form a single whole, preventing page substitution, addition or removal;
- The seal must be clear and evenly spread across adjacent pages.
Suspended Seal (dấu treo)
- Placement: stamped on the top-left corner of the first page;
- Applies to: appendices and documents attached to the main document; certain papers requiring only confirmation by the agency or organization;
- Purpose: to confirm that the document/appendix was issued by the agency or organization and is a valid attachment;
- It does not replace the signature of the authorized person on the main document.
Quick Comparison
- Placement: right edge (overlapping) — top-left corner of the first page (suspended);
- Subject: multi-page documents (overlapping) — appendices, attached documents (suspended);
- Function: preventing content alteration (overlapping) — confirming the issuing origin (suspended).
Notes
- A seal stamped in the wrong position, blurred or unclear may cast doubt on the document’s authenticity;
- The person entrusted with managing the seal is responsible for its proper use.
If you need to determine the appropriate approach for your specific situation, you should consult a lawyer first to have your dossier reviewed and receive advice on handling options.
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