The IGSN ID (International Generic Sample Number) is a unique and permanent identifier for physical samples (e.g. rocks, water, soil).
The IGSN is operated by the International Generic Sample Number Organization (IGSN e.V.), an international registration agency. Organizations wishing to assign IGSNs must pay an annual membership fee to the IGSN e.V. Thanks to the partnership between IGSN e.V. and the registration agency DataCite, IGSN IDs can now also be registered through DataCite and used in any field to identify physical objects.
IGSN ID registration is charged to DataCite members under the current DataCite fee model for DOIs. Registering one IGSN ID is equivalent to registering one DOI.
For more information on how to register IGSN IDs, see the DataCite guide or IGSN ID FAQ.