What is the private copy levy?

The private copy levy compensates writers and artists for the losses suffered as a result of others making copies of their music and films for their private use. The compensation takes the form of a tax on blank CDs and DVDs and other electronic products with storage capacity.

Private copy levy: amounts

Private copy levy 2015-2018
Products and storage capacity Levy (excl. VAT)
CD-R €0.02
DVD €0.02
E-reader €0.70
External HDD drive €0.70
Portable audio/video player €1.40
HDD recorder €3.50
Smartphone/phone with MP3 capability €3.50
Tablet €3.50
Desktop PC/laptop/server/media centre €3.50
Set-top box with hard drive €3.50