ISRC Code – SOPROQ

A unique identifier

The ISRC Code, or International Standard Recording Code, is a unique identifier for each individual sound recording and music video. It is assigned by the first maker and is useful in tracking musical contents. The ISRC code should be encoded on the recording medium (carrier) during pre-mastering. It has to be supplied to different actors within the industry: collective organizations, distributors, traditional broadcasters and webcasting services. It is mandatory when declaring your repertoire with Soproq.

Each ISRC code consists of 12 digits as follows: CB-YZ9-22-00001.

a 2-letter Country Code identifying the country of residence of the registrant at the time the ISRC is allocated. As of June 2021, the Canada country code is CB for new applications only. If your ISRC codes already have the CA country code, you must continue to use it.

a 3-alphanumeric characters Registrant Code representing the master owner (e.g. YZ9)

2 numbers for the Year of Reference, the year in which the ISRC is allocated to the recording or the videoclip (e.g. 22 for 2022)

a unique 5-digit Designation Code assigned by the maker, as they choose (e.g. 00001 for the first code assigned to a title in 2022)

To assign ISRC codes, the master owner must first get a registrant code that allows him to issue all of his ISRC codes.

Apply for a registrant code

Each sound recording must have its own unique ISRC code. It identifies the recording throughout its life and therefore must remain unchanged, even when acquired by a new owner. When modifications are made to the original recording, a new ISRC code must be allocated.

A new ISRC code is assigned when:

Playing time (duration) of the sound recording is modified (e.g. radio edit)

The sound recording is remixed

The work has been re-recorded in another language

The sound recording has been modified (e.g. change in orchestration or arrangements)

The original ISRC code must be used when:

The sound recording is part a compilation album

The sound recording is remastered (except in the case of historical restoration)

The sound recording is released on different carriers (e.g.: CD, vinyl, digital)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Soproq member to get ISRC codes?

No. You don’t have to be a Soproq member to get your registrant code. If you are the master or the rights owner of a sound recording or a music video, you can apply for a registrant code by filling out the form below. It’s free and fast. Insofar as your request is received, please allow 24 to 48 business hours before receiving an e-mail with all the necessary information.

Registrant Code Application Form

Do ISRC codes determine who is paid for the royalties?

No. Assigning an ISRC code to your sound recordings does not allow you to receive royalties from Soproq for the use of your repertoire. The ISRC code is a unique identifier for the sound recording. It has no legal value and does not protect your sound recording. The ISRC code does not indicate in any case who is entitled. To receive your royalties, you must become a Soproq member and declare your repertoire.

Registration form

When there is more than one maker (co-makers), who must assign codes?

Only one of the co-makers (or co-owners) must assign ISRC codes. It’s better to decide between yourselves to avoid allocating multiple codes to the same recording.

I own some sound recordings that were never assigned ISRC codes. Is it too late to allocate codes?

No. Although the ISRC code should be encoded during pre-mastering and supplied during initial releases and uses, it is possible to assign codes at any time to sound recordings that were never allocated any such code.