While negotiations for the formation of the federal government continue, the publishing sector is very worried about a possible increase in VAT on Books. This could increase from 6 to 9%. To talk about it, Carine Lecomte, general director of the association of Belgian publishers, was the guest of Bonjour Bruxelles.
If this 3% increase seems minimal and painless, it could have multiple consequences in the book sector. “It would affect each of the players in the book chain, publishers, booksellers, authors, and so yes, it scares us”confides Carine Lecomte. She is concerned that this measure could make it more difficult for younger populations or populations in financial difficulty to purchase books when the book is: “An important vector of literacy”.
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In addition, a large part of the books purchased by Belgian readers come from our French neighbors where VAT is set at 5.5%. Thus, this change will have consequences on the labeling, since the price of the book is unique. Belgian booksellers will thus have to relabel each book, and this cost would represent 1.5% of the booksellers’ net margin, which amounts to only 3% in total.
If this increase in VAT has already been on the table, the sector had already mobilized and made its position known again, in particular among the new elected officials of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
■ Interview with Carine Lecomtegeneral director of the association of Belgian publishers at the microphone of Fabrice Grosfilley
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