Information and documentation — International Standard Recording Code (ISRC)
1Key Takeaways
This document specifies the International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) for the unique identification of recordings. The ISRC is applicable to the identification of audio recordings and music video recordings whether they are in analogue or digital form. The ISRC is not applicable to the numbering of audio or audiovis…
2Expert Interpretation
An in-depth look at the ISO 3901:2019 International Standard Sound Recording Code (ISRC) specification, covering the code structure, allocation principles, management systems, and implementation recommendations. Learn about the components of the 12-digit ISRC code (prefix, reference year, designation code) and its critical role in music copyright management. Understand the technical evolution of the standard and key compliance practices between the old and new versions.
Analysis of the ISRC Standard Core Framework
ISO 3901:2019, as the third edition of the International Standard Sound Recording Coding Specification, established a 12-bit alphanumeric structure of the ISRC coding system:
| Structural Elements | Character Length | Composition Rules | Sample Clip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prefix Code | 5 Characters | 2 Letters + 3 Alphanumerics | QM-A7C |
| Reference Year | 2 Digits | Last Two Digits of the Allocation Year | 15(2015) |
| Designation Code | 5 digits | 5-digit sequence with left-padded zeros | 00212 |
Technology Evolution and Version Comparison
Main improvements of the 2019 version of the standard include:
- Prefix Code Reconstruction: Cancel the mandatory association between the original country code and the registrant code and adopt a unified allocation mechanism
- Automated Allocation: Add Clause 5.5 to standardize the automated ISRC allocation process
- Metadata Extension: Requires the recording of recording description information associated with the ISRC (Clause 5.4)
Compliance Application Cases
A symphony record company needs to assign an ISRC to Beethoven's Symphony No. 2 in D major:
- The entire piece receives the base code QM-A7C-15-00213
- The four movements receive separate codes (00214-00217)
- When a 24-bit remaster is produced, a new ISRC must be assigned (according to clause A.1.3)
Key Points for Implementation
1. Timing of Assignment
According to clause A.1.5, ISRC assignment should be completed before the mastering of the phonogram is completed, but please note:
- Substantial modifications (clause A.2) require new assignment
- Simple copyright transfer does not change the original ISRC (clause A.1.14)
2. System Management
ISRC registration authorities shall fulfill the following responsibilities (Article B.2):
| Management Dimensions | Specific Requirements |
|---|---|
| Coding Uniqueness | Preventing Coding Conflicts under Articles 5.3/5.4/5.5 |
| Exception Handling | Issuing Compliance Exemptions for Special Circumstances (Article B.2.1.10) |
| Technical Integration | Providing Automated Allocation Interface Specifications (Article 5.5) |
Industry Application Recommendations
1.
Standard clause A.3.1 recommends the use of the following technologies to associate ISRC with sound recordings:
- Digital watermarking technology
- Audio fingerprinting
- Metadata tag embedding
2. Cross-system compatibility
When a sound recording has been assigned an ISAN or DOI:
- Music videos must still be assigned an ISRC (Clause 1 Scope Statement)
- It is recommended to establish a metadata mapping table (Clause B.2.1.9)