Sony blocking PS3 imports

[Steven W]

Sony are stepping up the search for those retailers who are planning to export the PS3 to the UK before the March release date.

Check out the Headline for more info.

[Nick]

I like this bit... the reason that SOny are blocking imports is becuase they are:

trying to protect consumers from being sold hardware that does not conform to strict EU or UK consumer safety standards

So does that mean that Sony are saying that safety standards outside Europe are worse?

Or do they mean that non-European PS3s have a lower safety standard in the build quality?

If so, does this infer that Sony believe that inferior quality PS3s are fine for the rest of the world as us Europeans are worth keeping alive with better quality products?

And if THAT'S so... why the bloody hell are we being made to wait until March 2007 if they value us so much???


(Dontcha just LOVE logic and supposition? )

[Tom Scott]

I think the strict EU or UK consumer safety standards means it won't have been tested by the EU people for dodgy batteries.

[kempez]

Maybe the non-EU versions aren't RoHS compliant?

[Blademrk]

Apparantly, Lik-Sang has now closed it's doors because of this.

http://www.lik-sang.com/news.php?artc=3901

As of today, Lik-Sang.com will not be in the position to accept any new orders and will cancel and refund all existing orders that have already been placed. Furthermore, Lik-Sang is working closely with banks and PayPal to refund any store credits held by the company, and the customer support department is taking care of any open transactions such as pending RMAs or repairs and shipping related matters. The staff of Lik-Sang will make sure that nobody will get hurt in the crossfire of this ordeal.

[Steven W]

Apparantly, Lik-Sang has now closed it's doors because of this.

http://www.lik-sang.com/news.php?artc=3901

Cheers Blade! http://forums.hexus.net/showthread.php?t=89360

[kempez]

This is disgraceful by Sony...lik-sang are a great company and it is certainly a blow to gamers in Europe notably

Sony have failed to disclose to the London High Court that not only the world wide gaming community in more than 100 countries relied on Lik-Sang for their gaming needs, but also Sony Europe's very own top directors repeatedly got their Sony PSP hard or software imports in nicely packed Lik-Sang parcels with free Lik-Sang Mugs or Lik-Sang Badge Holders, starting just two days after Japan's official release, as early as 14th of December 2004

There was so much that is apt to quote on that page....but oh dear

[heman]

Sad to see Lik-Sang go

[Hulkster316]

Play Asia have also now stopped shipping any Sony products to the EU including games.
http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6160738....stnews;title;0

[blknoel]

I wouldn't care if the PS3 comes from US or Japan, the "safety standard" excuse just doesn't cut it.

More to do with pricing speculation I suppose. (and troubles that could arise with pre-ordering)