Private copying levies

16.6.2016

Question for written answer E-004909-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Cecilia Wikström (ALDE)

The Commission's communication of 9 December 2015 recognises that the current private copying levy system raises single market issues, as levies are set, applied and administered in a variety of different ways in different Member States. As a result, the communication indicates that the Commission will assess the need for action to ensure a single market and avoid barriers to the free movement of goods and services, such as the link between compensation and harm to right holders, double payments, and exemptions to the principles governing refund schemes.

1. Will the Commission offer clarification in the form of a recommendation in the forthcoming DSM Content Package, which will make it possible to differentiate between equipment used by consumers and equipment for professional use on the basis of an ex-ante exemption, as provided for by the Court of Justice?2. Will the Commission include in the same recommendation the issue of assessing the harm incurred by private copying?