Setting fixed book prices

Publishers and importers of books in the Netherlands are obliged to set a fixed price for paper books in Dutch and Frisian and for sheet music publications. This ensures that a book will be sold for the same retail price in every shop. There is no fixed price for electronic books (e-books) and audio books.

Notification of fixed book price

You must notify the fixed book price to the Dutch Media Authority (Commissariaat voor de Media, CvdM, in Dutch). New publications, price changes, special prices and book club prices must be reported at least one week before they take effect.

Changing fixed book price

The fixed price can be adjusted 6 months after it has been introduced. After 1 year, the fixed price can be lifted. The book can then be sold at any price. If you lift the fixed price, this should be reported to the Dutch Media Authority.