When To Assign

Each distinct recording should be assigned its own unique ISRC.

An ISRC can be assigned retrospectively too. If a recording was released without an ISRC one should be allocated before it is re-released.

If a recording has been materially changed since its original ISRC was assigned, it will require a new ISRC.

A material change is where the musical content of the recording has changed, such as:

• Different versions, for example having differences in playing time
• Different mixes/edits
• Creating a new surround mix from recorded stems
• Restoration of a historical recordings that involves creative input