What ISRC and UPC codes are, why they matter for royalty collection, and how to get them for your releases in India.
Part 1: ISRC — International Standard Recording Code
What Is an ISRC?
An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a unique, permanent identifier for a specific sound recording. Think of it as the fingerprint of a particular recording.
Format: ISRC codes follow this structure: CC-XXX-YY-NNNNN
- CC: Country code (IN for India, US for United States, GB for UK, etc.)
- XXX: Registrant code (assigned to the entity/label/distributor)
- YY: Year of reference (the year the code is assigned)
- NNNNN: Designation code (a unique 5-digit number for each recording)
Example: INXYZ2600001 (Indian label/artist, year 2026, first recorded track)
What ISRC Is Not
- An ISRC identifies a specific recording, not the song. The same song re-recorded will have a different ISRC.
- An ISRC is not a copyright registration — it is an identifier, not legal protection.
- An ISRC is not an ISWC (which identifies compositions — handled by IPRS).
Why ISRC Matters
1. Royalty tracking: Streaming platforms, radio stations, and performance rights organisations use ISRCs to match plays to recordings and route royalties correctly. 2. Registration with PPL India: When you register a recording with PPL India, you must provide the ISRC. 3. Licensing and sync: TV productions, films, and ads identify recordings by ISRC. Without one, licensing deals are complicated. 4. Preventing royalty leakage: Without an ISRC, plays of your recording may go untracked.
How to Get an ISRC
Option 1 — Via Your Distributor (Easiest and Free) DistroKid, TuneCore, Believe, OKListen, and Amuse all assign ISRCs automatically when you upload a release. This is the standard approach for independent artists. Action: When uploading your release, check whether your distributor is assigning ISRCs. Find them in your distributor's dashboard after the release is approved.
Option 2 — Via IPRS (India's ISRC Issuing Agency) IPRS is the national ISRC agency for India (appointed by IFPI). IPRS members can apply for their own ISRC registrant code, allowing them to assign ISRCs independently. Useful for: Labels or artists with large catalogues who want control over their own ISRC prefixes. Contact: IPRS at iprs.org or visit their Mumbai office.
Option 3 — Via IFPI Directly IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) oversees ISRC globally. Indian artists typically go via IPRS (the national body).
Record-keeping
Maintain a master log of all ISRCs for your catalogue:
Song Title | Version | Recording Date | ISRC | Assigned by | Distributor | IPRS Registered? | PPL Registered? ───────────|─────────|────────────────|──────|─────────────|─────────────|──────────────────|──────────────── | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Part 2: UPC — Universal Product Code
What Is a UPC?
A UPC (Universal Product Code) is a barcode used to identify a music product — specifically an album, EP, or single as a product entity. It is different from an ISRC: the ISRC identifies the individual recording, while the UPC identifies the product (the release).
Format: A 12-digit number (or EAN-13, a 13-digit international version).
Examples of use:
- The barcode on a physical CD or vinyl
- The identifier used to track an album across digital storefronts
- Required for physical retail listings (if you sell CDs in stores)
How to Get a UPC
Option 1 — Via Your Distributor (Free) All major distributors (DistroKid, TuneCore, Believe, OKListen, Amuse) assign UPCs automatically with your release. This is the standard approach.
Option 2 — Purchase your own via GS1 India GS1 India (gs1in.org) is the official body for barcode issuance in India. Useful for: Artists or labels that manufacture and sell physical products at scale (retail). Process: Register with GS1 India, pay membership fee, receive your GS1 Company Prefix, then generate UPCs. Cost: GS1 India membership starts at approximately ₹5,000–20,000/year depending on turnover. For most independent artists, getting a UPC from your distributor is simpler and free.
IMPORTANT: Do not reuse a UPC. Each product (a specific album, EP, or single) needs its own unique UPC. A new edition, a deluxe version, or a vinyl pressing of the same album needs a new UPC.
Part 3: Other Important Identifiers
ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code) Identifies the composition (the song — melody and words), not the recording. Assigned by IPRS in India when you register your work. Useful for international publishing royalty tracking.
IPI / CAE Number Your unique identifier as a songwriter/composer in the global publishing database. Assigned by IPRS when you become a member. Use this on all split sheets and publishing agreements.
Grid Code Identifier for digital releases used by some systems. Assigned by GS1 India. Not commonly required for independent Indian artists.
Part 4: Quick Reference Summary
Code | What It Identifies | Who Needs It | How to Get It (India) ─────|────────────────────|──────────────|────────────────────── ISRC | A specific sound recording | Artists, labels, producers | Via distributor (free) or IPRS UPC | A product (album/EP/single) | Artists releasing products | Via distributor (free) or GS1 India ISWC | A musical composition | Composers, lyricists | Via IPRS (assigned on registration) IPI/CAE | A songwriter/publisher entity | Songwriters, publishers | Via IPRS membership
Part 5: your ISRC Log Template
Use this to track ISRCs for all your recordings.
Artist Name: ___________________________
# | Song Title | Version (Radio Edit / Album / Live / etc.) | ISRC | Year | Distributor | Notes ──|────────────|────────────────────────────────────────────|──────|──────|─────────────|────── 1 | | | | | | 2 | | | | | | 3 | | | | | | 4 | | | | | | 5 | | | | | | 6 | | | | | | 7 | | | | | | 8 | | | | | | 9 | | | | | | 10| | | | | |
Created by: Date:
Free to use · Part of the Indie Music India toolkit · Updated September 2026