What is an ISRC code?
The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) enables sound and music video recordings to be uniquely and permanently identified internationally.
In 1989 IFPI Secretariat (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) was appointed by ISO as International ISRC Agency.
In 1994 FIMI (Federation of Italian Music Industry) was appointed by IFPI as National ISRC Agency in Italy.
Since 2019 A.F.I. – in cooperation with FIMI – has issued ISRC codes.
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.
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 comprises 12 alphanumeric characters divided into 4 elements separated by hyphens for visual presentation:
– Country (2 characters): for example GB for UK, US for USA, IT for Italy, etc. (allocated by the National ISRC Agency)
– Registrant (3 alphanumeric characters allocated by the National ISRC Agency)
– Year of Reference (2 digits): normally allocated by the Registrant in the year in which the preparation of the final production Pre-Master for the recording is finalised.
– Designation (5 digits): assigned by the Registrant. Numbers for the Designation Code should preferably be assigned sequentially.
