I’m curious about whether there are any fees for obtaining an ISSN. Some people say it’s free, while others mention costs. I’d like to know if there are any hidden charges, country-specific fees, or premium services that might require payment. Also, do online and print versions of a journal require separate ISSNs, and if so, does that affect the cost?
Obtaining an ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is generally free of charge in most countries, as it is a public service provided by national ISSN centers under the ISSN International Centre. However, some countries may charge administrative fees depending on their policies.
Are There Any Costs Involved?
Free ISSN Assignment – Many national ISSN agencies provide ISSNs at no cost as part of their support for academic and professional publishing.
Paid ISSN Services – Some countries or agencies may charge processing fees or require a membership subscription for ISSN services.
Expedited Processing Fees – Certain agencies may offer faster processing for a fee, though this is not common.
Does the Format (Print vs. Online) Affect the Cost?
Separate ISSNs for Print and Online Versions – If a journal has both print and online editions, it requires two different ISSNs, but this usually does not incur additional costs.
Special Formats (CD-ROM, DVDs, etc.) – Additional formats may require separate ISSNs, depending on the ISSN agency’s guidelines.
How to Avoid Unnecessary ISSN Costs?
Apply directly through your national ISSN center to check if fees apply.
Avoid third-party services that charge excessive fees for ISSN registration.
Ensure your application is complete to prevent delays that might require paid processing options.
Get ISSN Assistance from Experts
For a hassle-free ISSN application process, OJSCloud ISSN Consultancy (https://www.ojscloud.com/contact-us/) is the best in the business, offering expert guidance to secure your ISSN quickly and efficiently.
Additionally, Scholar9 provides professional publishing and journal management services, ensuring your journal meets all ISSN and indexing requirements.