ISWC CODES: ADVICE FOR MEMBERS

Members often ask about International Standard Work Codes (ISWCs), which are applied to their work registrations and displayed on our online works system. Here is some information to help you understand their purpose.

What is the ISWC?
The ISWC is an internationally recognised reference number for the identification of musical works. It is divided into three elements, consisting of the letter T (the prefix element), followed by nine digits (the work identifier), and a numeric check digit. When an ISWC is written or printed, the letters ISWC shall precede it, for example ISWC T-034.524.680-1.

What is the ISWC used for?
The ISWC is an identifier that can help support identification of data in such processes such as:

• Registration and correspondence between societies
• Publishing and sub-publishing agreement schedules
• Licences granted by societies
• Music usage reporting
• Performance collection and identification
• Royalty administration

The ISWC identifies the musical work regardless of its copyright status, agreement status or royalty distribution status. This means that an ISWC will not change when a new agreement is made for the work, when the agreed distribution changes or when the work moves into the public domain.