Explaining the necessity to adopt the abovementioned bills, R.Koshulynskyi noted that “the level of support of domestic publishers in Ukraine does not correspond to the objective time requirements”. He added that the publishing branch is in the critical state. “Less then two exemplars of a book are issued annually per one Ukrainian. Thereat, the amount of Ukrainian-language publication is twice as less. Russian-language books or books of Russian production prevail on the Ukrainian book market,” he stressed.
According to him, such situation is largely connected with massive import of book products which, as of today, is free of charge. The state lacks an effective system of support of domestic book publishing.
R.Koshulynskyi explained that the registered draft laws suggest amending the Customs Tariff of Ukraine, stipulating a 5 % import duty for printed books, books, brochures, post cards and analogous printed materials that are either stitched up or in the form of separate papers. At the same time, it is suggested establish that funds received from import duty shall be referred to the specialized Fund of State Budget and shall be allocated to refill library stocks with Ukrainian-language books of Ukrainian production.
Politician also drew attention to the fact that in view of significant disbalance on the book market in favor of the Russian-language production, it is suggested amend the Customs Code of Ukraine in order to exempt from taxation Ukrainian-language printed products.
R.Koshulynskyi is convinced that adoption of the abovementioned documents will create more favorable conditions for development of domestic book publishing branch; increase the part of a Ukrainian book on the national book market; and refill library stocks.