By FIONA ROTHERHAM
The Green Party says it has an open mind on whether it will provide crucial votes for Labour's planned restriction on parallel importing.
Late next month, the cabinet will consider a two-year ban on parallel importing of CDs, videos, computer software and books.
Acting Commerce Minister Trevor Mallard has received a Ministry of Economic Development report outlining submissions from 60 stakeholders.
Other political parties also oppose the move, accusing the Government of currying favour with the Americans following the cancellation of the F16 jet-fighter deal.
Earlier this month, the US removed New Zealand from the special 301 "watch list," saying it was satisfied intellectual property rights would be better protected.
The Greens appear to hold the deciding vote in getting the proposed amendment through the House.
Co-leader Rod Donald said his party was open to persuasion with "views running in both directions." He said the party would study various arguments in the report before committing itself.
There has been no sign that Labour intends softening its stance on the issue.
Ministry officials argue that any ban should vary depending on the product. One example would be the copyright value of a new video dropping more quickly than a book by a New Zealand author.
Local book publishers want to extend the ban beyond two years, particularly on New Zealand titles.
Penguin Books managing director Tony Harkins said two years might not achieve adequate protection for local books where the rights had been sold overseas.
Any unsold copies were often shipped back here for sale within two years.
Opponents say any ban will push up prices and drive more New Zealanders to purchase goods off the internet.
E-tailer Flying Pig has threatened to shift at least part of its business overseas because half its products would be restricted.
Executive chairman Stefan Preston said little parallel importing had occurred so far.
The threat of it was keeping local suppliers honest.
"This legislation will benefit foreign-owned corporates against the interests of New Zealand consumers who are under-represented."
The American chain Borders will also be badly hit as it imports most of its products from Australia.
Local apparel manufacturers, hit by cheap imports of branded clothing, want clothing to be included in the ban.
Apparel and Textile Federation spokesman Paul Blomfield said: "Clothing is out of the loop, though I'd like to get it back in."
But he added: "Standing up in front of New Zealand consumers saying prices are going up is a political quagmire."
One of the main arguments for the ban is a reported flood of pirated and counterfeit goods since parallel importing began.
The ministry and Customs say there is no evidence to back this claim.
A ministry official said the ban was aimed at encouraging foreign firms to invest in local artists rather than stop piracy.
United leader Peter Dunne said the Government was intent on a big law change in the "pious hope that it will have an impact on foreign investment in the creative sector" but there was no evidence that this would be the case.
Green say crucial on parallel importing
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.