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Photo Imaging Council statement
Mark Peters : August 2nd 2007 - 13:35 CET
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 Photo Imaging Council statement : Photo Imaging Council members are actively assessing the implications of the proposal to classify certain types of digital camera as camcorders. The reclassification will mean they will now attract customs duty of 4.9%. The European Commission's Nomenclature Committee meeting in Brussels last Friday recommended the proposal in an Explanatory Note directing that a camera using the maximum storage capacity, capable of recording at least 30 minutes of a single sequential video recording, with a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels or higher at 23 frames per second or higher, will be classified as a video camera recorder under code 8525 80 91 - and therefore attract duty.
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 What is a Camcorder ?
If the camera does not meet these criteria, it will be classified as a digital camera under code 8525 80 30 and will not attract duty. The Explanatory Note did not achieve the required Qualified majority vote. However, under the Commission's rules of procedure, the proposal is likely to be adopted, and published in due course in the Official Journal. The first reaction of PIC members to the Commission’s ruling is that the proposal will have a minimal effect on current product ranges.
Photo Imaging Council statement
However, it may affect future products and product development. Photo Imaging Council is discussing with members how the proposal will effect pricing, if at all, of products in their ranges. Photo Imaging Council members’ responses will also be fed into the European Photo Industry Association and the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) in Tokyo whose representatives plan to fly to Europe for lobbying purposes before the end of this month.
About Photo Imaging Council
The Photo Imaging Council, or PIC, represents a wide spectrum of companies on the supply side of the photo-imaging sector based in the UK. This is an industry worth an estimated £4 billion to the British economy. There are around 110 leading manufacturers, importers, exporters and photo waste companies. Several of the major trade and professional organisations are also affiliated to the organisation. PIC interests’ range across cameras, film, memory cards, photo printers, chemicals, minilabs, accessories, specialist services and professional photography. PIC is committed to improving the environment in which our members do business, promoting their interests through lobbying and supplying value added services. Membership provides access to industry information and market trends, network and business opportunities and other services.
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