ISRC Codes FAQ

• Do I have to be a member of PPI to obtain an ISRC code?

  • No, you do not need to be a member of PPI to obtain a code. However, if you are a record company/label and are not registered with PPI yet, we would suggest that you become a member of PPI. Membership is free and the application form is available online and for download here.  If you have any questions regarding membership please contact the Membership Department on 01 280 5977 or email distribution@ppimusic.ie.

• Do I have to pay a fee to get an ISRC?

  • No, obtaining the codes is free of charge.

• How long does it take to issue a code?

  • Once we have all required details from you we will issue the code as quickly as possible (usually within one working day). If you require the code urgently please call our offices on 01 280 5977 and we can issue the code straight away.

• Once I have my ISRC codes what do I do with them?

  • ISRC codes should be encoded in the pre-mastering or authoring process (for further information please refer to section 3.7. in the ISRC handbook http://www.ifpi.org/content/library/isrc_handbook.pdf.

• Is it possible to assign ISRC codes to existing recordings?

  • Yes, recordings which have not been assigned an ISRC code should be provided with an ISRC by the present owner of the rights to such recordings, prior to a re-release (see section 4.9.5 in the ISRC handbook).

• Are ISRC codes the same as Barcodes/UPC/EAN codes?

  • No, ISRC codes are just a means of identifying sound recordings and music videos. For barcodes please check with your CD manufacturing plant or contact GS1 (http://www.gs1ie.org) on 01) 208 0660.

• I've got my album mastered already but haven't allocated ISRC codes. Is it still possible to assign codes?

  • Yes, it is no problem to assign codes at that stage. Please make sure that you keep track of the codes you have allocated.

• What are the ISRCs used for?

  • The ISRC is an international means of uniquely identifying sound recordings and music videos. Currently they are required to register for digital music services. They are also required if you would like register for the Official Irish charts.

• Do I need to include the hyphens when I encode the ISRC onto a CD?

  • No, the hyphens do not need to be included.

• Am I automatically registered with the PPI if I have an ISRC code?

  • No, obtaining an ISRC does not register you as a PPI member. In order to become a member of PPI please fill in the membership application form, or you can fill out this downloadable PDF version. If you have any questions regarding membership please contact distribution@ppiltd.com.

• Am I automatically registered for the Official Irish charts if I have an ISRC code?

  •  No. Official Charts (www.officialcharts.com) is the company compiling the official Irish charts for IRMA. Charts registration is free and you should register your releases at least a week in advance.

    
    Registrations are submitted via a web application. Account set up and access to this can be obtained by contacting the Product Team at the e-mail address: MBUK-ChartsProduct@MillwardBrown.com 
    
    Address:
    
    Official Charts Company
    2nd Floor, Riverside Building
    County Hall
    Westminster Bridge Road
    London SE1 7JA
    
    Phone: 00 44 20 7620 7450