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3. INTERPRETATION OF ISO 3901:2001
3.1. Scope and purpose of the ISRC
The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) provides a means of uniquely identifying
sound recordings and music videos internationally. For the purposes of this handbook, a music
video recording is defined as a short form music video initially produced to support the release
of a track.
It is stressed that ISRC identifies sound recordings and music video recordings and not
physical products (‘carriers’) and that there is no conflict with existing product catalogue
numbering systems with which it co-exists. Neither does ISRC identify a digitally distributed
package, although sound and music video recordings included in such a package should be
identified with an ISRC.
The ISRC system is constructed so that any entity creating sound recordings can obtain the
means to issue ISRCs regardless of their membership, of or standing with, industry
associations and other bodies.
3.2. ISRC Principles
Each distinct recording is to have its own unique ISRC.
The first owner or current owner of the rights to a recording normally assigns the ISRC,
providing no ISRC has been issued before. It identifies the recording throughout its life and is
ISRC Handbook 2nd Edition JANUARY 2003
intended for use by producers of sound recordings and music videos (i.e. record labels), as
well as by copyright organisations, broadcasting organisations, libraries, licensees etc.
Any new or materially changed recording must be provided with a new ISRC (see Section
4.9.1Re-mixes/ Edits / ). Re-use of an ISRC that has already been allocated for another
recording is not permitted see Section 4.1.3 No re-use.
If a recording is sold or licensed and is then released unchanged the ISRC remains the same.
3.3. The Benefits of ISRC
The ISRC has been developed in order to facilitate the accurate exchange of information on
the ownership, the use of recordings and to simplify the administration of rights in them. It
is a global, unique method of identifying sound and music video recordings.
By identifying all sound and music video recordings that are released, regardless of the format
that they are released in, the ISRC enables the tracking and tracing of these recordings
through the music value chain.
Potential users of sound and music video recordings will also find it easier to obtain
information about the current rights owner because repertoire databases will provide this
information with the ISRC.
In addition in many territories the ISRC is increasingly becoming a tool in the fight against
piracy.
The adoption of the ISRC system by the music community as a whole has the following
benefits:
1. ISRC, being the worldwide recognised standard for recording identification, can easily be
accepted and implemented internationally and allow interoperation of different databases
and systems.
2. The ISRC coding system is compatible with standards developed in the field of consumer
electronics. Incorporated in appropriate digital and manufactured recording media it is
readable by hardware equipment.
3. The ISRC is increasingly used in electronic copyright management systems and Digital
Rights Management systems.
4. The implementation of ISRC is cost effective; ISRC can be put into operation without
requiring special investment in equipment. It only requires a structure able to deal with
the administration of ISRC within the organisation using it.
3.4. Administration of the ISRC system
The administration of the ISRC system is carried out at two levels:
3.4.1. International Administration
The international administration of the ISRC system is in the hands of the International
ISRC Agency (IFPI Secretariat).
The address of the International Agency is:
International ISRC Agency
IFPI Secretariat
54 Regent Street
London W1B 5RE
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7878 7900
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7878 6832
Email: isrc@ifpi.org
Website: www.ifpi.org/isrc
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