diff --git a/dspace-api/src/main/java/org/dspace/identifier/IdentifierServiceImpl.java b/dspace-api/src/main/java/org/dspace/identifier/IdentifierServiceImpl.java
index d15414204c..122a9ba3c6 100644
--- a/dspace-api/src/main/java/org/dspace/identifier/IdentifierServiceImpl.java
+++ b/dspace-api/src/main/java/org/dspace/identifier/IdentifierServiceImpl.java
@@ -88,9 +88,19 @@ public class IdentifierServiceImpl implements IdentifierService {
 
         //We need to commit our context because one of the providers might require the handle created above
         // Next resolve all other services
+        boolean registered = false;
         for (IdentifierProvider service : providers)
         {
-            service.register(context, object, identifier);
+            if (service.supports(identifier))
+            {
+                service.register(context, object, identifier);
+                registered = true;
+            }
+        }
+        if (!registered)
+        {
+            throw new IdentifierException("Cannot register identifier: Didn't "
+                + "find a provider that supports this identifier.");
         }
         //Update our item
         object.update();