Leaf & Spine

ISBN by country

How to get an ISBN in South Africa

How to get an ISBN in South Africa: ISBNs are issued by National Library of South Africa (free of charge). Steps, costs, barcodes and how many you need.

Step by step

  1. Decide the formats you will publish (paperback, hardcover, ebook, audiobook) — each needs its own ISBN.
  2. Create an account with National Library of South Africa and register your publisher or imprint name.
  3. Request your ISBNs.
  4. Assign each ISBN to a title and format, and enter the metadata (title, contributors, format, publication date, price).
  5. Print the ISBN on the copyright page and as an EAN-13 barcode on the back cover.
  6. Fulfil legal deposit with your national library if required.

ISBN prefixes used in this country

Tools: ISBN converter · ISBN barcode generator · ISBN guide.

Frequently asked questions

Are ISBNs free in South Africa?
Yes — National Library of South Africa: free.
Who issues ISBNs in South Africa?
National Library of South Africa. Buy only from the official agency or its authorised resellers.