EU add import duty to digital cameras

A decision was made by the EU recently that cameras with advanced video functions should be classed as camcorders, therefore carrying an import duty, meaning some models could become more expensive.

Cameras are currently imported tariff-free but video cameras often attract duties of around 4.9 percent, meaning camera prices could increase substantially. PIC (the Photo Imaging Council), said that the reason digital still cameras are currently exempt from tax is because they are classed as information technology products. No digital cameras are manufactured within the EU at present, meaning most cameras will increase in price should the changes take place.

Models which will become classed as a camcorder are those capable of recording more than 30 minutes of single sequence video or 800 x 600px or more and the changes could take place in as little as two or three months.

John Dickins, Marketing Manager at Pentax said "Pentax are assessing the situation.  In the interests of value for money for our customers, we are working closely with the Photo Imaging Council to fight the government's plans to raise import duty on digital cameras."