EDITORIAL - A tax on learning

Reading broadens horizons, regardless of the subject. But for the Bureau of Customs, only books used in schools can be classified as “educational” — a category that exempts an imported book from taxes and duties. The BOC has since revised its rules, slapping taxes on the importation of many international bestsellers and other books that the bureau believes do not fall under the categories of “educational, scientific or cultural.”

The BOC’s move, endorsed by Finance Undersecretary Espele Sales, is based on a review of Republic Act 8047 or the Book Publishing Industry Development Act of 1995. Customs and finance officials said RA 8047 exempted from taxes and duties “only books or raw materials to be used in book publishing.” Critics pointed out that slapping the taxes and import duties violated the 1950 Florence Agreement on the Importation of Educational, Scientific and Cultural Materials, to which the Philippines was a signatory in 1952. The treaty provides for the duty-free importation of books to guarantee the free flow of “educational, scientific and cultural materials” among countries. But BOC and finance officials reportedly believe that novels and other international bestsellers do not fall under any of these categories.

The new rule has reportedly led to a halt in book importations in recent months, and the absence of new book titles at popular chains. A number of those books are geared toward young readers. With the Internet, television and Wii competing for children’s attention these days, parents count themselves lucky when their children bother to read books. Many youths who enjoy light reading such as the “Harry Potter” series and the “Twilight” vampire chronicles eventually go on to heavier subjects including non-fiction and classic literature. Book enjoyment is carried on into adulthood. Does education stop after college graduation?

Taxes and import duties are passed on to consumers by book dealers, and higher prices could discourage book reading among Filipinos with a limited budget. Duty-free importation has allowed Filipinos to enjoy books at prices that are often lower than those in the sources of origin of the imported items. The government should review whether it wants to deprive Filipinos of this source of learning and enjoyment.