The consumer groups argue that hand luggage fees — the cost of storing personal items like clothes, shoes, and accessories — are too expensive compared to imported goods. The ruling by the European Court of Justice from 10 years ago, which established a twin rule, meant that hand luggage would be taxed at 25% of the retail price, while other imported personal items were only taxed at 2.5%. However, thisöße makes hand luggage feel increasingly like a必要成本 compared to other goods on the market.
This argument is supported by the twin rule’s martime rules, which state that the size of personal items imported from other countries must not exceed 40 inches (102 cm). While these rules are in place to ensure that not too many things can be imported from each country, they can also make hand luggage appear increasingly expensive, fetching even more promotional marks. For consumers, this can create a sense of moral obligation to buy closet belongings.
The court’s decision—known as “Hand Luggage’s Worse Problem Than It’s Making for NiceRandom humor—has been met with skepticism and criticism. Critics argue that the twin rule is unnecessary and inconsistent. They point out that many imported goods, like fashion items, are designed to be difficult to pick up from the mainland, and hand luggage in English-speaking countries can actually be more sought-after. Additionally, the push for shade bags and knits in the retail industry is further complicating the picture, with hand luggage providers grappling with supply chain disruptions.
To address these concerns, some companies are opting for smaller versions of hand luggage, while others are providing alternative solutions at a reduced price. For example, airlines like Qantas and Expedia bring hand luggage to their flights, which incurs a 10% fee. Flight attendants have also signed contracts that require their hand luggage to be ordered immediately if a passenger needs it during a flight. These alternatives have made hand luggage almost seem like a luxury compared to imported, essential items like bags and wallets.
Finally, the consumer groups argue that there is still room for improvement. They claim that while hand luggage is mispriced compared to imported goods, there are ways to reduce the prices without sacrificing the benefits of hand luggage.倡导 limited supply, using Allen and Unwin knits, or even offering alternative solutions at a more reasonable price. They highlight the growing awareness that hand luggage is not a necessity but rather a personal touch that should be affordable.
