ISRC FAQs
Answers to common questions about ISRCs (International Standard Recording Codes). To request codes from PPI, see Request ISRC codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Once a recording has an ISRC, and the recording is unchanged (i.e. not edited, shortened, remastered etc.) this should be used each time the recording is released.
No. You should follow the same principle (country/first registrant code/year) but then assign a new designation code using the last 5 digits.
No. The First Registrant Code you have been assigned can be used for your recordings and videos.
Yes. Any changes to the recording means you should assign a new code so the different versions can be identified from each other.
No. Please ask the original record company for the ISRC they have already assigned.
No. The ISRC is used to identify the recording and not the owner. PPI will pay the party who is registered as the Rights Holder.
ISRCs should be requested at your Local Music Licensing Company (MLC), please see isrc.ifpi.org.
No. You only need to obtain an ISRC once, unless you require new codes for a different Label or Project. Please refer to the Guide to ISRCs (PDF, 546 KB).
Yes. If you have releases that have not been applied ISRCs you can apply codes (sequentially), using the Current Year that you are applying the code.
No. The only codes issued by PPI are ISRCs. For UPCs or Barcodes you could try GS1: www.gs1.org/barcodes or your Digital Distributor (CDBaby, Tunecore) might offer this service.