ISRC Codes in China

About ISRC in China

China is one of the fastest-growing music markets in the world, dominated by streaming platforms like QQ Music and NetEase Cloud Music. CAVCA serves as the national ISRC agency, assigning registrant codes to Chinese labels and producers. The CN prefix identifies recordings issued in mainland China.

National ISRC Agency

How to Get an ISRC in China

1. Contact the national ISRC agency: CAVCA (China Audio-Video Copyright Association)
2. Apply for a registrant code — you will receive a unique 3-character alphanumeric code
3. Once approved, you can assign ISRCs to your recordings using your registrant code
4. Each ISRC you assign will start with CN followed by your registrant code
5. Many digital distributors (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, etc.) can also assign ISRCs on your behalf

Example CN ISRC Format

An ISRC assigned in China follows this format:

Other Countries