IFPI Greece

IFPI Greece operates as the official non-profit organization responsible for compiling and publishing the national music sales charts and certifying recording sales in Greece. Known domestically as the Association of Greek Producers of Phonograms (Ένωση Ελλήνων Παραγωγών Ηχογραφημάτων or ΕΕΠΗ), the group functions as the Greek branch of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. It replaced unreliable, magazine-based polls with a transparent, industry-backed system designed to measure actual music consumption accurately.

The organization launched the first credible official music charts in 1989, initially featuring two separate Top 20 lists for domestic Greek repertoire and foreign releases. These early charts found their way onto ANT1 radio broadcasts and into Pop & Rock magazine. However, the initial system faced a major crisis in May 1991 when a manipulation scandal erupted. Artists purchased hundreds of copies of their own albums to artificially inflate chart positions, which boosted their bargaining power for live performances and media appearances. This scandal forced the collapse of the original charts.

In response to the fraud, IFPI Greece rebuilt its infrastructure with stricter monitoring protocols. The system eventually restructured into a single, unified Top 75 album sales chart that remains the standard today. As a national group of the global IFPI, it operates semi-autonomously while adapting international standards to the local market. Its work provides a trustworthy benchmark for artists, labels, and fans, influencing how success is measured and celebrated in Greece. [edit]

The primary mission of IFPI Greece is to provide transparent, reliable data on music consumption through the compilation of official charts and the certification of recordings based on verified sales thresholds. By awarding gold, platinum, and diamond certifications, the organization sets industry benchmarks that influence artist prestige and market recognition. It also advocates for the value of recorded music within Greece and ensures standardized measurement for record labels, streaming platforms, and media outlets. [edit]

Established in 1989 as the Greek branch of the IFPI, the organization began by launching the first credible official music charts in Greece. These initial charts consisted of two separate Top 20 lists: one for domestic Greek repertoire and another for foreign releases. Broadcast rights went to ANT1 radio, while Pop & Rock magazine handled print publication. This marked the first time the country had an industry-backed chart system that replaced scattered magazine polls lacking transparency.

A significant turning point occurred in May 1991 when the original charts were scrapped following a manipulation scandal. It was revealed that artists had purchased hundreds of copies of their own albums to artificially inflate chart positions, thereby boosting their bargaining power for live performances and media appearances. The system's collapse forced a reset, and IFPI Greece eventually rebuilt with stricter monitoring protocols. The organization restructured the system into a single, unified Top 75 album sales chart that remains the standard today.

Globally, the IFPI itself was founded in 1933 and has grown into the voice of the recording industry worldwide. National groups like IFPI Greece operate semi-autonomously, adapting global standards to local markets. In recent decades, the Greek branch has focused on adapting to digital consumption, integrating streaming data alongside traditional sales figures. As of late 2026, the organization continues to update its charts weekly and monitor streaming trends to reflect the modern music landscape. [edit]