ISRC and UPC Errors: Invalid, Duplicate and Reused Codes (and How to Fix Them)

Updated 2026-10-21 · 8 sources

Short answer

The common errors are: an ISRC that isn't 12 characters (or is delivered with hyphens), a UPC/EAN with the wrong length or check digit, one ISRC on two different recordings, and a new ISRC on a recording that already has one. Each recording keeps one ISRC for life, across distributors and releases; each different version gets its own. Validate codes before delivery, because stores use them to match tracks and releases.

ISRC errors

  • Format: 5-character prefix, 2-digit year, 5-digit designation; the normative form is 12 characters with no hyphens [1] [2].
  • Reissuing a code: don't assign a new ISRC to a recording that already has one, including when it's re-released or licensed [3].
  • Sharing a code: each distinct recording, including remixes, edits and other versions, needs its own ISRC [3].
  • Switching distributors: SoundOn says an ISRC follows the audio file for its lifetime and should be the same across distributors [4].

UPC/EAN errors

  • The last digit of a UPC or EAN is a GS1 check digit calculated from the others [5], so a single typo almost always fails the check.
  • Deezer lists the UPC as essential album metadata and the ISRC as essential track metadata [6].

Why mismatches cause real problems

YouTube identifies Art Tracks by ISRC, release identifier (UPC, EAN or GRid) and partner, and creates one for each unique combination [7], so inconsistent codes can create duplicates. If you use different distributors for different stores, SoundOn asks that UPC, ISRCs, artist name and titles match exactly [8].

Examples

Instead ofUseWhy
US-RC1-26-00002USRC12600002Deliver without hyphens.
USRC1260004A 12-character ISRC11 characters is invalid.
Same ISRC on "Golden Hour" and "Golden Hour (Remix)"A new ISRC for the remixDifferent recording, different code.

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FAQ

My distributor gave me new ISRCs for an old release. Is that a problem?

If the recordings already had ISRCs, reuse the originals. The ISRC agency says not to assign a new code to a recording that already has one.

Can I check codes for free?

Yes. The Metadata Checker validates ISRC syntax and UPC/EAN check digits, and the Catalog Health Audit finds duplicate ISRCs across a catalog.

Related guides

Sources

  1. International ISRC Registration Authority: ISRC Structure
  2. ISRC Handbook, 4th edition (2021), IFPI
  3. International ISRC Registration Authority: When Not To Assign
  4. SoundOn Help Center: Releasing Music FAQ
  5. GS1: How to calculate a check digit manually
  6. Deezer for Creators: How To Add Music To Deezer Through A Label
  7. YouTube Help: What is an Art Track?
  8. SoundOn Help Center: Can SoundOn upload my release to TikTok if I am using another distributor?

Platform rules change. Each rule above is attributed to the company or standard that published it, as checked on 2026-10-21. This guide is not legal advice.