NCAC was set up in 1985.

On July 25, 1987, the State Council established NCAC, which has the same body and two titles with the National Publishing Administration. The Commissioner of NCAC was also the Administrator of the National Publishing Administration.

In January 1987, the State Council established the Press and Publication Administration that is directly under the State Council. NCAC and the Press and Publication Administration maintained the format of one body and two titles.

In 2001, the Press and Publication Administration (National Copyright Administration) was upgraded as a ministry, and its title was changed to the General Administration of the Press and Publication (National Copyright Administration of China).

In 2013, the General Administration of the Press and Publication was merged with the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, and was renamed as the State Administration of the Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television(SAPPRFT), and NCAC still maintains the format of one body and two titles with the SAPPRFT.