The Pay-As-You-Press/Import Licence is designed for individuals or businesses that occasionally manufacture or import physical music products in Canada, typically in small quantities.

Royalties are paid upfront when submitting your application, and the licence covers a specific number of units you plan to manufacture or import. A minimum of 500 copies per format (e.g. 500 CDs, 500 vinyl records) is required. If your first pressing is below this threshold, the licence will still cover additional pressings up to 500 copies. Once exceeded, a new application and payment are required.

This structure offers flexibility while keeping things clear and manageable for smaller-scale projects.

This licence is ideal if:

• You’re recording and releasing a cover of a song on a physical product.
• You’re releasing audio-only sound recordings, such as CDs, cassettes, USBs or vinyl records.
• You’re selling or importing physical products in limited quantities in Canada.
• You prefer paying up front for all copies pressed as opposed to quarterly reporting and payments.

It’s important to note:

• Merchandise like toys, games, or other special products that incorporate recorded music is licensed directly with the publishers.
• Audio-visual uses — such as videos with a music soundtrack — require a synchronization licence, which must be obtained directly from the music publisher.
• Any change to a work, such as added lyrics, translation, or sampled use, requires publisher authorization before applying to CMRRA. If it is a well-known adaptation, email [email protected] to confirm if approved.
• If you plan to distribute recordings to Canadian consumers via a licensed third-party online music service, such as iTunes, Spotify, Meta (Facebook & Instagram), TikTok, or YouTube, you are not required to obtain a reproduction rights licence for the musical works embedded in those recordings. In Canada, CMRRA licenses these services directly, and they will be responsible for reporting and paying royalties for use of CMRRA’s repertoire.

Applying for a “Pay-As-You-Press/Import” licence is a multi-step process. Here are the items you will need to submit:

• Confirmation of Units Pressed (pressing order, invoice, or letter from the presser confirming the total number of units to be manufactured)
• Completed Application for Mechanical Licences Form (Print version)
• Royalty Payment (online credit card payment, cheque, money order, or in-person credit/debit transaction at our office)

For audio-only recordings (like CDs, cassettes, or vinyl), there is a standard mechanical royalty rate by which CMRRA is mandated to license physical products for the Canadian territory. It is determined based on the recording duration, starting at $0.083 per copy for a 5 minute or less duration, and adding $0.0166 ($0.083 divided by 5 minutes) for each additional minute of playing time.

• Minimum Application: The licence covers a minimum of 500 copies per format (e.g., 500 CDs or 500 LPs).
• Initial Pressing: If your initial production run is below 500 units for a format, the licence will cover additional pressings until the 500-unit threshold is reached.
• Additional Pressings: Once you exceed 500 units for a format, you’ll need to apply for a new licence, starting with another 500-unit minimum per format.

The Pay-As-You-Press/Import Licence is a straightforward and efficient way to license small-scale music productions. For detailed guidance or to begin your application, click the button below. If you have any questions regarding the process, please contact [email protected].