Physical Releases

• Is your music being pressed onto CD, vinyl, or cassette? If so, the producer must apply for a license.

• With or without a label? Is a record company or publisher handling your release? Then they’ll take care of the license. Are you releasing the music yourself? Then you apply for that license through Unisono. You don’t need to be a Sabam member to do so.

• What does Sabam do? We collect the royalty from the producer and pay out your share - after deducting administrative fees. How much you receive depends on the print run, the duration, and the retail price. Payments are made twice a year.

Standard rate: 8% of the retail price per copy. There is also a minimum royalty per type of sound recording medium. You can find all rates here.

If you are the 100% rights holder of the works, you can take advantage of a special exemption. In that case, you’ll only pay the administration fees.

• Do you hold all the rights? Only if you are the sole rights holder.

• Applies only to individuals, not to non-profit organizations or corporations.

• Maximum of 1,000 copies per production.

• As a group? That’s possible, as long as all members agree.

• Co-authors are permitted, including non-members, as long as this is correctly stated.

• Always include “request for exemption” in the comments field.

That's allowed, provided you follow a few rules.

• Covers: Are you reinterpreting a work without changing the lyrics or melody? If so, you can submit your request directly through Unisono.

• Remixes/adaptations: Are you altering the structure, lyrics, or melody? If so, you’ll need prior permission from the original rights holder(s).

• Reprint a previous production run?
  Reprinting is easy. Select your previous order, adjust the print run and selling price, and you’re done. Everything else remains the same.

• A box set with both a CD and a vinyl record at a single price?
  Submit a single request and list both formats. Do they each have a separate retail price? Then you’ll need to submit two separate requests.

Independent record labels or major labels that regularly release albums can apply for a permanent license through BIEM or Central Licensing. This license offers better terms, such as for promotional copies or returns. Payments are made semiannually.

Please note: Make sure your works are reported correctly and on time. This allows us to link them to the correct catalog.

Music on DVD or Blu-ray? That counts too .

Is your music used in a film that’s being released on DVD or Blu-ray? If so, you’ll also receive mechanical royalties for that.