"The remuneration for private copying" - added €8 to iPod in France - Why?

Question

I have just bought an IPod Nano as a gift for a friend who lives in France. I used Apple Store's new service which allows you to order and pay via their European service.
However, I did not see - until I had hit pay - that Apple France had added €8 to the account total (then plus TAX!)
This is a translation of the French 'Justification' for this charge
"Compensation for private copying and free recycling"
What is the remuneration for private copying?
The remuneration for private copying is a sum levied on any medium and recording equipment to compensate copyright holders (authors, performers and producers) of damage to their monopoly caused by private copying of works protected by law Copyright, like music, movies, television programs. The collection of remuneration for private copying is done by organizations representing copyright holders.
The recycling charge was minimal. Most was for Copyright
Why is this only via the French Apple Store? It did not appear when I tried to do the same order on the UK store?
Is this charge applicable in all countries - or the result of any new French laws?
Does anyone know the answer please?

Answer 1

I never saw the point of asking the question and answering it yourself here, is a bit confusing.
Apparently France is the only country with regulations adding these particularly levies to the purchase of an iPod, I have not seen others post this complaint. You can add it to the volume cap that France passed and now all EU countries are adhering to as another unpopular tax/law of French origin.
The other text you refer to comes from Carl's personal settings. Most use that space to post what computers/equipment they are using, others add personal touches. They automatically appear at the bottom of every post (you'll see my computer list below here) and have nothing to do with your particular question.