Latin Nations Lower Book Levies
Herbert R. Lottman -- 4/6/98
The news is good from Latin America, where a recent gathering in Bogotá, Colombia, of professionals from 18 Spanish-speaking countries and Brazil produced a consensus that blocks the free flow of books that has been funneling into the continent. Only a few countries continue to levy duties on books or employ other means to slow traffic, and the biggest book producers (and consumers), Argentina and Mexico, came away with a clean bill of health. The highest duties are found in Bolivia (13%), Peru (12%) and Cuba (10%); however, value-added tax is a problem in Chile (18%), Bolivia (13%) and Guatemala (10%), as well as Cuba (6%) and Spain (4%).Another irritation, according to a report in the latest issue of Spain's trade monthly Delibros (Spain was a participant in the meeting) is the tax claimed by some countries on imports of paper and printing equipment, resulting in higher production costs. Concerning imports of finished books, only Brazil now demands an advance deposit. Argentina, Mexico, Spain and Uruguay received high marks for simplifying book shipments, while only a few countries were criticized for enforcing rules that slowed processing. The participating experts concluded with a recommendation that all Latin American countries adhere to UNESCO's Florence Agreement (1950) on the importation of educational, scientific and cultural materials. Back To News---> |
