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Restrictions on the Parallel Importation of Books

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  • Productivity Commission

Abstract

The Commission’s final report on the parallel importation of books into Australia, released on 14 July, recommends removal of the current restrictions, with the industry having a period of three years to adjust before the changes take effect. The restrictions prevent Australian booksellers from importing commercial quantities of legitimately produced copies of a book from overseas, when a publisher with ‘Australian rights’ can supply the title. The Commission undertook extensive analysis of international book prices and concluded that the restrictions create upward pressure on local book prices. This effect will vary across book genres and over time, and can be substantial. On releasing the report, the Commission’s Deputy Chairman Michael Woods said: ‘having considered the industry’s feedback on the draft report, and undertaken further analysis, the Commission found the case for repealing the restrictions compelling. Consumers pay higher prices for books, regardless of their cultural significance, and more of the benefits flow to overseas authors and publishers than to local writers. Coupled with improved subsidy arrangements to address the cultural issues, the reforms will benefit the community overall.’

Suggested Citation

  • Productivity Commission, 2009. "Restrictions on the Parallel Importation of Books," Research Reports, Productivity Commission, Government of Australia, number 34.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:prodcs:34
    Note: 240 pages.
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/90265/books.pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/study/books/report
    Download Restriction: no
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Cited by:

    1. Andrew Leigh, 2022. "Engaged Egalitarianism: Why the Australian Recovery Must Prioritise Openness," Economic Papers, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 41(2), pages 99-109, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    publishing; books; imports; copyright;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Z - Other Special Topics

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