ISRC Codes
What is an ISRC ?
The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) provides a means of identifying audio and video recordings. Each 12 digit code is unique and is a permanent identifier for a specific recording, digitally encoded into the sound recording when it is mastered.
ISRCs are not attributed to physical products (“carriers”) such as CDs and Vinyl records. This ensures there is no conflict with existing product catalogue numbering systems.
The structure of the 12-digit ISRC code follows this example:
| Country code | Registrant code | Year of reference | Designation code |
|---|---|---|---|
NZ | AA0 | 25 | 00001 |
2 characters | 2 characters + 1 digit for either audio (0 or 1) or visual (8 or 9). The Registrant code is always allocated by Recorded Music NZ | 2 digits | 5 digits allocated by a record company / Master Rights Holder when they have their own designated Registrant Code. Otherwise allocated by Recorded Music NZ. |
Who should apply for an ISRC ?
The copyright owner of any sound recording or music video should apply. In the absence of any other agreement, the owner of copyright is the person who made the arrangements necessary for making the recording – for example a record label.
If the producer/creator has assigned the recording before coding, the acquirer should be considered as the first owner for the purposes of ISRC.
Record labels releasing multiple tracks on an ongoing basis will usually be allocated a Registrant Code and will then allocate and manage their own Designation Codes for all subsequent releases (using this same Registrant Code for all tracks released by the company).
Self-released Recording Artists can apply for individual codes from Recorded Music NZ.
How do I get an ISRC code?
ISRC Code Application Template
For quick and easy processing of your request please download and complete the ISRC template and email it to memberservices@recordedmusic.co.nz
If you are a New Zealand copyright recording owner and you wish to apply for an individual code or Registrant Code please contact Recorded Music NZ’s Member Services Team on call (09) 360 5085 or email memberservices@recordedmusic.co.nz
Please prepare the following information:
- The full name of the applicant, or business/company name
- A contact address
- A contact person
- Contact details (email address and phone number)
- Recording Artist Name (the artist/group name as it would appear on the product)
- Recording Title(s) (the title of the recording/s)
- Version Title or Alternative Title or Subtitle (this is additional info about the recording if applicable, for example ‘live in Auckland’ or ‘extended mix’)
- Recording Duration(s) (the elapsed playing time between the first and last recorded modulations of the recording)
- Content Type (Sound Recording or Music Video)
- Year of Publication (known as (P) date, year of release)
- Product name (release name)
- Catalogue # (if available)
- Barcode / UPC (if available)
What happens next?
Recorded Music NZ will then supply the applicant or business/company with an individual code or Registrant Code and a fact sheet outlining ISRC. If you have been issued with a Registrant Code we will also advise how you can issue your own codes for future recordings and what method of reporting is required.
More information about ISRCs
ISRC handbook – download.
ISRC information - visit site.
Another simple measure to protect your rights and ensure usage of your recording is accurately tracked for distribution is to make sure your release has a correct (P) Note.
The ℗ symbol and associated information are used to signify year of first publication (i.e the year when the sound recording(s) were FIRST RELEASED for commercial sale to the public anywhere in the world) and copyright ownership of sound recordings (not the compositions or cover artwork, in respect of which the © notice is typically used).
Our Australian counterparts PPCA have a great guide for Proper Use of the P Notice. An example of a correct (P) Note is as below.
℗ 2025 XYZ Record Company Limited