In order to compensate for legal copying of copyright-contents such as music, film, photos or texts for private use, copying machines, printers and IT products, in particular, are now subject to levies in Germany. The new agreement covers a broad spectrum of consumer electronics. It includes DVD recorders, MP3 players, TV sets and set-top boxes with fixed memory or recording via USB interface.

The agreement applies retroactively as of January 1. 2008. Companies affected by the regulations may join the overall agreement for the past period until 31 May 2019.