Productivity Commission study on the parallel importation of books

The Productivity Commission has been asked to report within six months on the current provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 (the 'Copyright Act') that restrict the parallel importation of books, and provide advice on the potential for reform in the area.

The Commission will examine, and invites participants to comment on, a range of issues in regard to the parallel importation of books, including:

* the effectiveness of the parallel import provisions in achieving the objectives of the Copyright Act, having regard to the Government's overall policy framework * whether the benefits to the community from the provisions outweigh any costs, including any restrictions on competition and the impacts on all relevant industry groups * options for reform to the current provisions, and any transitional arrangements that should accompany any reform.

The Commission will shortly release an issues paper, outlining some key matters to be addressed in the study and calling for public submissions.

The Commission is to present its findings to the Australian Government in May 2009.