As reported earlier this month in OUT-LAW News, Sony believes that the new 128 bit, DVD and (in future) web enabled PS2 should be categorised as a “digital processing unit.” Products in this category, mainly computers, are exempt from import duty in Europe. However, the European Commission has endorsed the opinion of UK customs officials, that the PS2 is not significantly different from the original PlayStation which was classified as a games console. Games consoles are subject to a 2.2% import duty.
This week, Sony appealed the decision by requesting a departmental review. If that fails, Sony has said it might take the case to court. Sony is absorbing the import duties of around £6.60 per unit rather than passing them on to European consumers who are already facing higher retail prices than those in the US. The PS2 is retailing at £299 in the UK, compared with $299 (around £213) in the US where it went on sale in October, selling 500,000 units in its first weekend.