The purpose of this Marrakesh Treaty is to provide an international legal framework for copyright exceptions to improve access to copyright works in accessible formats (such as Braille, audio or large print books) for individuals with a print disability. This includes people who are blind, have a visual impairment or a perceptual or reading disability, and/or who are otherwise unable, through physical disability, to hold or manipulate a book or focus or move their eyes.

The problem the Marrakesh Treaty addresses is that a large proportion of all written materials published worldwide are not published in formats accessible to individuals with a print disability.  This lack of access is a known barrier to full participation in public life, limiting employment and educational opportunities. The Marrakesh Treaty aims to remove this barrier by providing a framework for copyright exceptions to facilitate cross-border exchange of works in accessible formats.

New Zealand already has an exception in the Copyright Act 1994 that allows for the domestic creation and dissemination of accessible format copies for people with print disabilities (the section 69 exception). However it does not facilitate cross-border exchange, resulting in costly duplication efforts to convert works that would otherwise be easy to import. There is also some uncertainty under the current exception in terms of the circumstances in which accessible format copies may be produced and distributed.

Implementing the Marrakesh Treaty is likely to significantly benefit the estimated 170,000 people in New Zealand with a print disability. The main benefit of joining is that New Zealand will be part of an international regime which facilitates the import of accessible works into New Zealand. It is expected that the Treaty will lead to more timely access to a greater variety of accessible format copies for people with a print disability. It is also expected to lead to more efficient use of resources by schools, libraries and charitable organisations that provide services to people with print disabilities.