• To promote participation in the ISBN system within the country.
• To manage and administer the affairs of the national agency.
• To decide in cooperation with publishers and their representative agencies, the range of publisher identifiers required.
• To allocate publisher identifiers to eligible publishers and to maintain a register of publishers and their identifiers.
• To advise publishers on the correct and proper implementation of the system.
• To provide materials and resources that ensure the proper implementation of the ISBN standard.
• To make available computer print-outs of ISBNs to publishers numbering their own books with check digits already calculated.
• To inform publishers of any invalid or duplicate ISBNs assigned to them.
• To provide technical advice to publishers and ensure that standards and approved procedures are observed.
• To maintain liaison with all elements of the book industry and introduce new publishers to the system.
• To keep and make available the files of assigned publisher identifiers and title numbers.
• To handle relations with the Regional ISBN Agency on behalf of all the publishers in Trinidad and Tobago.
• To report regularly to the Regional ISBN Agency.

The ISBN serves as unique identifier for:

• Monographs
• Stock control
• Ordering
• Accounting
• Electronic point of sale systems
• Rights and Royalties management
• Bibliographic searches
• Copy catalouging
• Inter-library loan
• National Bibliography

Payment for ISBNs is done to CARICOM Guyana via Wire Transfer or with your credit card using Fygaro. This will cost between US$2.00 – US$24.00 in addition to the regular fees. It does not include the costs charged by your personal bank if paying via Wire Transfer.

Registration Fee - US$20.00

This is a one-time payment by all first time registrants of the TTISBN Agency regardless of output.

ISBN Processing Fees

One ISBN (Single) - US$20.00

Block of 10 ISBNs - US$50.00

Block of 100 ISBNs - US$300.00

Block of 1000 ISBNs - US$750.00

Block of 10,000 ISBNs - US$1500.00

For blocks 100 – 10,000, proof of intended use is required such as completed ISBN-Single Forms ready to be used once approved. These are submitted together with your initial block application form.

• Fill out the relevant application form
• ISBN Form - Single (for applicants applying for one – two titles)
• ISBN Form - Block (for applicants applying for a block)
• Forward completed form in JPEG or PDF format along with one copy of photo ID, proof of local mailing address and payment preference (wire transfer or credit card) to isbn@nalis.gov.tt
• On receipt of application, the total amount to be paid in US currency as well as payment instructions will be forwarded to you. If paying with wire transfer, payee information will be provided. If paying by credit card, an active link will be made available to be utilised as soon as possible.
• After payment is made, a copy of the payment confirmation or receipt is to be emailed to isbn@nalis.gov.tt
• Upon the confirmation of your payment by CARICOM, you will receive an email notifying you of your assigned ISBN. In the case of block applications, you will receive an email detailing your next steps.

NB:
• Applications will not be processed until fees are received.
• Applicants applying for three or more titles are advised to apply for a block of 10.
• The application process and submission of payment must be done two (2) months prior to intended date of publication.