The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) identified the restriction on the parallel importation of books as a priority area for review in its new competition reform agenda.
The Productivity Commission has been requested to undertake a study on the relevant parallel importation provisions in the Copyright Act. Parties interested in making a submission are invited to register their interest using the form available in the initial circular released on 13 November 2008 and at www.pc.gov.au/projects/study/books/register.
An issues paper is due for release at the end of November 2008 and submissions to the Commission are due by 20 January 2009. The Commission intends to provide its final report with advice on potential for reform of the parallel importation provisions in May 2009.
Click on this link to submit your views on the current restrictions on parallel importation of books to the Productivity Commission. The ASA supports retention of the current system. The ASA supports the right of writers to transact Territorial Rights. This right should not be removed so that some booksellers can improve their profit margins. January 20 is the deadline.