New European guidelines could see most digital camera re-classified as camcorders. The proposal ? which applies to all cameras that feature a movie mode function ? would mean the introduction of customs duties of 4.9% and 12.5% on digital cameras that have a Movie mode for recording short video sequences. At present, no digital cameras are manufactured inside the European Union so the move means consumers in Europe would have to pay much more for digital cameras in the future.

The Photo Imaging Council is supporting an international initiative against the reclassification of digital cameras by the European Commission. The international photo industry and photo traders have urged Brussels to comply with the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), countering arguments that digital cameras with video function can be equated with dedicated camcorders in terms of customs legislation.

For more information about the campaign, visit the Photo Imaging Council?s website www.pic.uk.net.