A parallel import is a non-counterfeit product imported from another country without the permission of the intellectual property owner. Parallel imports are often referred to as grey products or grey imports and are implicated in issues of international trade and intellectual property. Some believe that parallel imports can benefit consumers by lowering prices and widening the selection and consumption of products available in the market, while others believe that they discourage intellectual property owners from investing in new and innovative products. Some also believe that parallel imports tend to facilitate copyright infringement. A number of parallel import issues in Papua New Guinea (PNG) have been brought to the attention of the Department of Trade Commerce and Industry (DTCI) in the recent past. However, government has yet to decide on a policy to guide the practice in this area.
