ISSN numbers are assigned by a centrally coordinated network and are meant to be used widely by all the partners of the information chain.

In many countries, ISSN numbers are systematically assigned to new serial publications in the framework of legal deposit schemes. Serial publishers are however invited to apply directly for an ISSN number, when they intend to start the publication of a new periodical.

It should also be noted that for an already existing serial, even if its publisher, for any reason, has not applied for an ISSN, any third party may request the assignment of an ISSN for its own data management needs.

How to get an ISSN number? 

• The first step to be taken is to check whether an ISSN National Centre exists in the country of publication. If this is the case, the publisher should send the request to the ISSN Centre concerned.

• Multinational publishers should check the appropriate list which indicates which ISSN National Centre should be contacted.
• The International organizations listed in the "Yearbook of International Organizations" are invited to send their ISSN assignment requests to ISSN International Centre.

• In all other cases, the ISSN International Centre in Paris should be contacted.
  

Please click here to send  your request in accordance with the above information.

For further information or in case of any difficulty, please contact or +33 1 44 88 22 20