The History of IFPI

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) "represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide." (Wikipedia)

IFPI was founded in Italy in 1933, is registered in Switzerland, and has offices in London, Brussels, Hong Kong, and Miami.  London currently serves as IFPI Headquarters.

IFPI Mission -

- Promote the value of recorded music

- Protect the rights of record producers 

- Expand the commercial use of recorded music

IFPI Services -

- Lobbying

- Copyright enforcement

- Litigation and regulatory affairs

- Market research

- Communications support

Representation -

- 1,400 members in 66 countries

- Affiliated industry associations in 45 countries

- SNEP (France)

Syndicat National de l'Edition Phonographique SNEP)

(National Syndicate of Phonographic Publishing)

- RIAJ (Japan)

(Recording Industry Association of Japan)

- BPI (UK)

- RIAA (U.S.)*

*Point of intrigue - The RIAA is recognized as an affiliated group and is excluded from IFPI programs.

(Refer to Wikipedia for a detailed history of IFPI.)

Record Sales Certification -

- IFPI Platinum Europe Awards

- IFPI Middle East Awards

IFPI Platinum Europe Awards -

- Founded in 1996

- Retail sales of one million albums

- Countries include:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK

IFPI Middle East Awards -

- Founded in 2009

- Sales in Lebanon or Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries

- Countries include:

Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

- GCC Awards:

Gold for sales of 3,000 units ... Platinum for sales of 6,000 units

- Lebanon Awards:

Gold for sales of 1,000 units ... Platinum for sales of 2,ooo units

(Source - Wikipedia)