I am releasing an album containing only my own songs. Do I need to pay reproduction royalties?

Even if you are a member of Sabam and we manage your copyright royalties , you are still required to pay mechanical reproduction royalties when releasing your own works on a sound recording (self-production).

In that case, you may qualify for a copyright exemption  (limited to a maximum of 1,000 copies per catalogue number), provided you meet the following conditions:

• As the author/composer, you own 100% of all works included on the sound recording.
•  You are a natural person (not a non-profit association, private limited company, etc.).
•  You bear all production costs yourself.
•  The works have not yet been published at the time of the application.
•  The exemption is only available to authors/composers who are members of Sabam.
•  You explicitly request the exemption.

If, after production, you decide to publish the works through a publisher, you remain responsible for any copyright royalties that the publisher may subsequently claim for that pressing.

Please note: an administrative fee of €50 (+ 21% VAT) applies to each licence application.