Two identifiers used to track music releases — ISRC is global per-recording, catalog number is per-label.
Definition
These are two distinct identifiers used to track music releases. An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a global, per-recording 12-character identifier (e.g., NL-A12-23-12345) issued by national agencies such as the IFPI's local affiliates. ISRCs are mandatory for distribution to streaming platforms and ensure rights holders can be paid royalties — every individual recording (original, edit, remix) gets its own ISRC. A catalog number, by contrast, is a label-specific identifier: a unique code (e.g., ARMA1583, ANJ708, BHCD27) the label uses to organise its own releases. Catalog numbers appear on physical pressings, on Beatport pages, and in DJ databases like Discogs, and are an important reference point for collectors tracing a label's release history. Producers and DJs cite both regularly when discussing or licensing tracks.