Tough US clearance rules working against independent bands, says IFPI

Date: 05/09/02

By Martin Banks

A POST-11 September security clampdown in the US discriminates against European artists hoping to break into the lucrative American music market, it has been claimed.

Musicians who plan to tour or promote their CD in America must now apply for special entry clearance that can take up to 12 weeks to process, unless they pay a fee of €2,000 to fast-track their permit.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), which represents both artists and record companies, is now calling on the European Commission to put pressure on the US to amend the law.

Frances Moore, the organisation's regional director in Europe, said: 'This blatantly discriminates against small, independent bands for whom a three-month wait for a permit can be far too long. Unlike larger bands, they may not be able to afford the fast-track system.

'We have raised this with the Commission and want it to put pressure on the US to shorten the period it takes to process permit applications.'

Wales Trade International, the body that promotes Welsh exports, has also drawn attention to the unfairness of the system.

A post-11 September security clampdown in the US discriminates against European artists hoping to break into the lucrative American music market, it has been claimed.