Daniel J SaitSony has announced the suspension of sales for home cinema projectors in the UK and Europe, citing the need to comply with recent European export control regulations and trade restrictions.
The company has confirmed that once current stock is depleted, sales of the affected models will be suspended across Europe. Sony stated, “To ensure our compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including recent European export control regulations and trade restrictions, we have made the unavoidable decision to discontinue sales of select projector models in Europe, once the current stock is depleted. We remain committed to compliance with applicable laws and regulations and responsible business practices and are working closely with our business partners to support a smooth transition.”
Sony is expected to continue sales of in territories unaffected by the legislation.
Affected Projector Models:
- VPL-XW8100/W/DE
- VPL-XW8100/W
- VPL-XW8100/B/DE
- VPL-XW8100/B
- VPL-XW6100/W/DE
- VPL-XW6100/W
- VPL-XW6100/B/DE
- VPL-XW6100/B
- VPL-XW5000/W/DE/1
- VPL-XW5000/W/1
- VPL-XW5000/B/DE/1
- VPL-XW5000/B/1
- VPL-FHZ85/B/1
- VPL-FHZ85/1
- VPL-FHZ80/B/1
- VPL-FHZ80/1
- VPL-PHZ61/1
- VPL-PHZ51/1
Background on the Decision
Sony cited the following in terms of detail around the decision.
‘The European Union adopted the 15th sanctions package on December 16, 2024. The European Union has now adopted the 16th sanctions package on February 24, 2025. This 16th package has further implications for the supply of the Subject Products in Europe. This is because, as part of the restrictive measures under the packages, a certain company associated with the Third Party has been added to the list of Annex IV to Council Regulation (EU) No. 833/2014 (the “Regulation”) and is now subject to export-related and other restrictive measures. In particular, the restrictive measures have been enhanced on February 24, 2025, and it is now prohibited to sell, supply, transfer or export of, directly or indirectly, dual-use goods and technology, as well as certain goods and technology listed in the Regulation to any natural or legal person, entity or body listed in Annex IV. We have carefully assessed the development of the situation, and to ensure our compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and considering the Subject Products are wholly or partially manufactured for and supplied to Sony by the Third Party using certain parts and components supplied by Sony group companies, we have had to take the unavoidable decision to terminate our supply of the Subject Products, directly or indirectly, to the European market, including the countries and regions of the EU. ‘
It looks to be a complex situation involving many factors not excluding the current flued geopolitical climate and fluctuations in global trade relationships. The move is obviously highly significant as Sony is a major player in the UK for home cinema projector sales. There are rumours that the brand is trying to find a work around. More news as we get it.