The first attempt to enact a legal depository law was made in 1990, but it was succeeded in the mid 2005.

The Legal deposit law no.1/2006 has been passed and is now fully functional.

The legal deposit law deals with rules that govern the collection and access to the following materials
• Material published in the Maldives,
• material published by Maldivians overseas,
• material published by Maldivians association and Maldivian companies.

It is used as a mean to collect, develop and preserve the nations cultural heritage, and provide research services.
Under this law the following materials has to be deposited:-
1. books
2. Pamphlets, periodicals (newspapers, magazines etc.)
3. Music
4. Maps, charts, posters, tables etc.
5. Serials
6. Micoroform/microfiche
7. Phonorecords
8. Audio visual materials
9. Other electronic media
10. New editions of the above materials

Publishers are obliged to send two copies for printed materials and one copy for non-printed materials.

The legal deposit law greatly aids in the publishing of the complete National Bibliography and the development and preservation of the National heritage.