The International Standard Recording Code

Procedure for Revocation of National ISRC Agency

July 2003

Background

As the ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) appointed International Registration Authority for the International Standard Recording Code (ISRC), IFPI Secretariat has the power to revoke the appointment as a National Agency of any organisation deemed not to be fulfilling its obligations according to ISO 3901.

Revocation will be a final option, after evidence has been provided that the National Agency has failed in its obligations and attempts by both the international and local stakeholders have failed to deliver corrective action.

Procedure

When it is provided with evidence that a National Agency has failed in its obligations, the International Agency uses the following process:

1. The National Agency will be reminded of its obligations under ISO 3901 and informed of the evidence provided to the International Agency. It will be given 14-days to respond. The International Agency will ensure that the identity of parties providing evidence is not revealed.
   
   
2. During that period the National Agency must either (i) demonstrate that the evidence does not indicate failure, or (ii) clearly document planned appropriate corrective action. If the International Agency is not satisfied with the response, it will take representations, make appropriate enquiries and if appropriate, recommend revocation of the Agency’s appointment.
   
   
3. Once a decision has been made, this will be communicated to the National Agency and made public on the ISRC website (www.ifpi.org/isrc) for a period of 14 days for comments, after which an unopposed decision will become final.
   
   
4. Substantive objections from the National Agency to the decision to revoke its appointment as the National ISRC Agency will be referred to an appeal panel consisting of the CEO of IFPI, the Secretary of ISO TC46/SC9 (the standards committee dealing with the ISRC) and an independent expert agreed by the first two members. The appeal panel will take into account local conditions in the relevant territory and the smooth operation of the international ISRC system in making its decision, which will be final.
   
   
5. Within 2 weeks of notification of the decision to revoke its status as a National Agency, the National Agency shall forward to the International Agency all documents relating to the assignment of ISRC Registrant Codes in its possession or control so that a successor National Agency is able to meet its obligations under ISO 3901.