Information about what must be included in your Government of Canada publication.

Publication numbers

Applicable Government of Canada departments and agencies must apply for the following publication numbers before:

• publishing your product
• publishing new editions
• changing format

Applicable departments and agencies are identified in the Policy on Communications and Federal Identity.

1. International standard book or serial number

Government of Canada publications must display the appropriate International Standard Book Number (ISBN) or International Standard Serial Number (ISSN).

ISBN (International Standard Book Number)

If you publish your work once, or less often than every 3 years, you need an ISBN.

Apply for an International Standard Book Number

ISSN (International Standard Serial Number)

If you publish a product with the same title in successive issues and at regular intervals, you are publishing a serial or periodical. These publications need an ISSN.

Apply for an International Standard Serial Number

2. Government of Canada catalogue number

A Government of Canada catalogue number is a unique classification number that identifies publications produced by the federal government.  All Government of Canada publications require a Government of Canada catalogue number. New editions and revised publications require new catalogue numbers.

If you have already applied for an ISBN, no further action is required. You will receive a catalogue number along with your ISBN.

Apply for a Government of Canada catalogue number

Related links

Directive on the Management of Communications and Federal Identity

Policy on Communications and Federal Identity

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