SIAE Borderò Guide for DJs: What it is, How to Complete
In brief:
- The borderò (music program report) is mandatory for every music event protected by copyright
- It must be submitted within 20 days of the event
- Manual completion takes 45-90 minutes for a DJ set of 50 tracks
- Failure to submit incurs penalties up to EUR 5,164
- EasyBordero automates the process in 3 minutes
What is the SIAE Borderò
The SIAE borderò (music program report) (also called "music program") is the official document that every DJ, musician, or event organizer is required to complete to report the tracks performed during a public event to the SIAE (Italian Society of Authors and Publishers).
In Italy, every DJ who performs copyrighted music at a public event is legally obliged to complete and submit the SIAE borderò within 20 days of the event, pursuant to L. 633/1941 (Italian Copyright Law).
The borderò ensures that authors and publishers receive the royalties due for the use of their musical works.
When is the Borderò Mandatory
The SIAE borderò is mandatory for:
- DJ sets in discos and nightclubs — every evening event with music requires the borderò
- Concerts and festivals — for both bands and DJs
- Weddings and private parties with music — if the music is performed by a professional
- Corporate events — presentations, gala dinners, conventions
- Village festivals and fairs — any public music event
Deadlines
The borderò must be submitted within 20 days from the date of the event. After this deadline, you risk penalties.
How to Complete the SIAE Borderò Step by Step
Method 1: Manual Completion (SIAE Portal)
- Access the SIAE portal with your credentials
- Select "Nuovo Programma Musicale" (New Music Program)
- Enter event details (date, location, type)
- For each track played, enter: title, author, publisher, SIAE work code
- Verify all data
- Submit the borderò
Average time: 45-90 minutes for a DJ set of 50 tracks.
The main problem with manual completion is searching for tracks in the SIAE catalog. Each track must be identified with the correct work code, and often the titles in the SIAE catalog do not exactly match those displayed in DJ software.
Method 2: Excel Template
Some DJs prepare an Excel file with the most played tracks and their respective SIAE codes, then copy the data into the portal. This reduces the time to 20-30 minutes but requires significant initial setup.
Method 3: Automated with EasyBordero
EasyBordero automates the entire process in 3 simple steps:
- Import your set — Upload the file exported from your DJ software (Rekordbox, Serato, Traktor, VirtualDJ)
- Verify tracks — The system automatically finds each track in the SIAE catalog with intelligent fuzzy matching
- Submit the borderò — With one click, the borderò is completed and submitted to the SIAE portal
Average time: 3 minutes for a DJ set of 50 tracks.
| Method | Average time (50 tracks) | Cost | Typical error rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIAE Portal (manual) | 45-90 minutes | Free | 15-20% |
| Excel Template | 20-30 minutes | Free | 5-10% |
| EasyBordero (automatic) | 3 minutes | From EUR 0/month | Less than 1% |
What Data is Needed for Each Track
To correctly complete the borderò, for each track you need to indicate:
- Work title — the official title registered with SIAE
- Author(s) — the name of the track's authors
- Publisher — the music publishing house
- SIAE work code — the identification code in the SIAE catalog
- Duration — the duration of the performance
Searching the SIAE catalog is often the most laborious part: titles can differ from those in DJ software (e.g., "Don't Stop the Music" vs "DONT STOP THE MUSIC" vs "Don't Stop The Music (Radio Edit)").
Penalties for Failure to Complete
Failure to submit the SIAE borderò can result in significant administrative penalties:
- Penalties up to EUR 5,164 pursuant to Art. 174 della L. 633/1941 (article 174 of the Italian Copyright Law)
- Suspension of tax benefits for professional DJ activity
- Joint and several liability of the event organizer
A professional DJ playing 4 evening events a month saves an average of 12 hours a month by automating the SIAE borderò completion, while also reducing the risk of errors and penalties.
To learn more about penalties and how to avoid them, read our dedicated guide: Sanzioni SIAE: cosa rischi se non compili il bordero.
Related articles:
- Come esportare la tracklist da Rekordbox
- Come esportare la tracklist da Serato DJ
- SIAE costi per DJ: tariffe e calcolo
- Tutti gli adempimenti SIAE per DJ
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need to submit the SIAE borderò?
The SIAE borderò must be submitted within 20 days from the date of the event. Failure to meet this deadline can result in administrative penalties.
Do I also need to complete the borderò for private events?
Yes, if the event involves music performed by a professional (DJ or musician) and the music is protected by copyright, the borderò must be completed even for private events such as weddings and corporate parties.
What is the difference between borderò and music program?
The borderò and the SIAE music program are essentially the same document. The term "borderò" is used colloquially, while "music program" is the official term used by SIAE.
How much does SIAE cost for a DJ?
SIAE costs for a DJ include: the compensation for copyright (variable based on the type of event and venue capacity), related rights (SCF/Nuovo IMAIE), and any administrative fees. The total cost varies from a few tens to several hundreds of euros per event.
Does EasyBordero replace SIAE?
No. EasyBordero is not affiliated with SIAE. It is an independent automation tool. It does not replace SIAE. It is an automation tool that simplifies the completion of the borderò on the SIAE portal, saving time for the professional DJ.
Which DJ software is supported by EasyBordero?
EasyBordero supports importing playlists from Rekordbox (Pioneer DJ), Serato DJ, Traktor (Native Instruments), and VirtualDJ. Simply export the tracklist in TXT, CSV, or Excel format.
Is my SIAE data safe with EasyBordero?
Yes. SIAE credentials are encrypted with AES-256-GCM (banking standard) and are never stored in plain text. You can delete them from your account at any time.
Can I try EasyBordero for free?
Yes. The Free plan includes 3 playlist imports and 3 automatic borderò submissions per month, with no time limits and no credit card required. The Pro plan is available for EUR 9.99/year with a 14-day free trial.