The International Standard Recording Code

What is the ISRC?

The ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is the international identification system for sound recordings and music videorecordings. Each ISRC is a unique and permanent identifier for a specific recording which can be permanently encoded into a product as its digital fingerprint. Encoded ISRC provide the means to automatically identify recordings for royalty payments.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) recommends that all music producers use ISRC.

Benefits of using ISRC

The ISRC system is the key to royalty collection for recordings in the digital information age.

• ISRC is a unique, reliable, international identification system.
• ISRC provides a unique tool for the purpose of rights administration.
• ISRC is a useful identification tool in the electronic distribution of music.
• ISRC coding is compatible with standards developed in the field of consumer electronics and is readable by hardware already used in the recording industry.
• ISRC is cost effective - it can be put into operation without requiring special investment in equipment or technologies.

For further information about the ISRC system, please contact:

International ISRC Agency
c/o IFPI Secretariat
10 Piccadilly
London W1J 0DD
United Kingdom
Email: isrc@ifpi.org
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7878 7952
Fax: +44 (0)20 7878 7950