Amazon.co.uk investigates 'grey import' book error

Amazon.co.uk has launched an investigation into an error that was allowing a cheaper US version of a UK book – effectively a grey import – to be sold through its site, after being alerted by silicon.com.

silicon.com reader Brian Clegg, author of Brief History of Infinity: The Quest to Think the Unthinkable, which is on sale at £7.19 on the UK site, contacted us after finding that the US version of the book, which goes under a slightly different title, was also being offered alongside it at the cheaper price of £6.04.

Clegg said his UK publishers Constable have contacted Amazon.co.uk in the past about the problem but that it keeps happening. And while he said he didn't want to "knock" Amazon he said it has a direct impact on his earnings.

"It reduces my income. A book usually only earns the author royalties above the original advance in its primary market, so any sales that are shifted to a secondary market can have a direct impact on my livelihood."

The listing of the two books together is also confusing for readers, he said.

"Although the content of the books is the same, they often have different titles and covers, which could mislead a reader into buying the same book twice."

Earlier this week Amazon.com answered claims from the BPI - which represents the music industry in the UK - that it may be breaking copyright law by selling imported CDs in the UK.

A spokeswoman for Amazon.co.uk admitted the error and said it was being looked into.

"This US title should not have been available to buy new from Amazon.co.uk - this was offered for sale in error and we have removed the ability for customers to place orders from us," she said. "We do have systems in place to protect against this happening and we are investigating to understand how this came about."

She said that "rare instances" of errors such as these are corrected as soon as they are flagged up.