05/18/1998

Decision on the shape and design of the coat-of-arms of BiH

In accordance with my authority under Annex 10 of the Peace Agreement and Article XI of the Bonn Document, I do hereby decide that the Law on the Coat of Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina enters into force with immediate effect on an interim basis, until the Parliamentary Assembly adopts this law in due form.

Sarajevo, 18 May 1998

Carlos Westendorp
High Representative

LAW ON THE COAT-OF-ARMS OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Article 1

This Law regulates the shape and design of the Coat-of -Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the use of it by the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Article 2

The Coat-of-Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina represents Bosnia and Herzegovina and shall be displayed as a symbol of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Article 3

The Coat-of-Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina shall be used in accordance with the provisions of this Law in a manner promoting the reputation and dignity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Article 4

The Coat-of-Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina is of a blue colour and in the shape of a shield with a pointed tip. In the top right side corner of the shield there is a triangle of yellow colour. Running parallel to the left side of this triangle is a row of white five pointed stars.

Article 5

The design and graphic presentation of the Coat of Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina are laid down in the Annex, which forms an integral part of this Law.

Article 6

  1. The Coat-of-Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina may not be used as a trademark or service mark, sample or model, nor as any sign to mark trade items or services.
  2. When so stipulated by separate regulations, the Coat-of-Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina may be used as an integral part of other symbol or signs.
  3. The use of the Coat-of-Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina shall be free for artistic or educational purposes, provided that this does not affect the reputation and dignity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Article 7

The Ministry of Civil Affairs and Communications of Bosnia and Herzegovina shall be responsible for regulating the production of Coat-of-Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Article 8

The Coat-of-Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina may not be used in a public place if it is damaged or unsuitable for use due to its appearance and shall be withdrawn from use.

Article 9

  1. The Coat-of-Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina shall be officially displayed in the following way:
    1. At the entrance of all buildings of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Council of Ministers and its three Ministries, the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Constitutional Court, the Standing Committee on Military Matters, the Commission of Human Rights, the Central Bank and the Permanent Election Commission following its formation and any other building of the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina or any other institution administered by or reporting to these institutions.
    2. On all buildings of Embassies and Consulates of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
    3. As part of the seal of Bosnia and Herzegovina and in accordance with the Law on the Seal of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
    4. On official correspondence, invitations, cards and similar documents used by the Members of the Presidency, Council of Ministers, Co-Chairs and Vice-Chair, Ministers and Deputy-Ministers, Speakers and Deputy Speakers of both Houses of the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina as mentioned under paragraph i).
    5. On official means of transport used by State Officials.
    6. At border crossings of Bosnia and Herzegovina
  2. In all cases referred to in the previous paragraph, no other coat of arms from Bosnia and Herzegovina shall be displayed together with the Coat-of-Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Article 10

The use of Coat-of-Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina is allowed:

  1. On buildings where Entity, Cantonal, City and Municipal bodies, within Bosnia and Herzegovina, have their seat, as well as in the ceremony rooms in those buildings;
  2. On the occasion of official international visits, competitions and other gatherings (political, scientific, cultural – artistic, sports and others) at which Bosnia and Herzegovina is participating or is represented.
  3. In any other cases, unless its use is in contravention of the provisions of this Law.

Article 11

When the Coat-of Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina is displayed with one or more foreign coats-of-arms or other similar symbols, the Coat-of Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina shall be placed in an honorary place, as follows:

  1. in the middle of the circle when viewed from the front, if the other coat-of-arms and symbols form a circle;
  2. in the middle of the semi-circle when viewed from the front, if the other coats-of-arms and symbols form a semi-circle;
  3. at the head of the column of the other coat-of-arms, if the other coat-of-arms and symbols form a column;
  4. at the head of a group of the other coat-of-arms, if the coats-of-arms form groups;

Article 12

Disrespect for the Coat-of Arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a punishable offense. The necessary legislation shall be adopted by the Entities within two months from the entry into force of this Law.

Article 13

This Law shall enter into force seven days after its publication in the Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

SpeakerSpeaker
of the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovinaof the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina
  
Petar MajicHalid Genjac

Office of the High Representative