It’s been discussed for quite some time and it could become a reality in 2003. The Canadian Government is looking to impose a tax onto blank CDs and tapes, as well as various recording devices that would include MP3 players and digital cameras.

“If the proposed increases are approved, a 100-pack of blank CDs would have a levy of $59, raising its retail price to about $88 plus tax,” said coalition member Brian Levy, chief executive of InterTan Canada Ltd., owner of the Radio Shack electronics chain. “Without the current levy, the retail price is about $29.”

However, many of Canada’s biggest retailers are fighting this price increase because they fear it will stop companies outside of Canada from selling their products in Canada, or worse, Canadians will begin to shop south of the border.

The current legislation will be reviewed in January.






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