At higher rates, they cripple business and trade. This is a matter currently causing difficulties in a number of countries. The decision does not extend to any other forms of intellectual property, services, information, and it appears specifically to exclude such as relate for example to programme material for radio or TV broadcasting. The text of the written works translated into digitalised form, is also not covered. Currently, no international agreement exists on the customs treatment of goods used as carrier media, apart from the 1984 Decision referred to above.
Practices vary from country to country.
Thus they can be withdrawn or varied at will by national governments. Also, the benefits of some of these measures are difficult to obtain because they are administratively burdensome for both importers and customs administrations and often lead unexpectedly to substantial penalties. The current situation creates confusion and uncertainty for business interests engaged in international trade in intellectual property and services. It also discourages and distorts trade and hampers economic growth and development around the world.