I am someone who takes delight in fixing electronics, appliances, and other essentials for friends, family, and colleagues. This hands-on approach not only saves us money but also helps us hold onto cherished items and make them last longer. However, a new regulation by the EU threatens this simple way of life. They're planning to abolish the 150 euro customs limit, which will invariably make everything more costly for everyday consumers like us who live paycheck to paycheck.

This anticipated change is not without precedent. Not long ago, the EU removed the 22 euro tax limit, with promised benefits that never materialized. What did happen, though, was an increase in prices, making daily life even more expensive for ordinary people. The situation is poised to worsen if the 150 euro customs limit is lifted. The parts we need, which EU companies do not and likely will not produce, are only available from abroad. Removing this limit strips us of healthy competition, inadvertently driving EU prices sky-high.

The impact of this change would be far-reaching. Not only would it create an unfair competitive environment, making local goods exorbitantly priced compared to foreign counterparts, but it would also have environmental implications. The increased cost of spare parts would inhibit repair and restoration efforts, forcing more households to replace rather than repair. This kind of consumer mentality leads to more electronic waste—something that our planet, and future generations, simply cannot afford.

Moreover, this change would be devastating for individuals who depend on repairing goods to save money, especially those who are marginalized or from low-income backgrounds. It's an unwelcome financial burden that exacerbates existing inequalities in access to electronics and appliances.

Therefore, I urge the EU decision-makers to reconsider their position on abolishing the 150 euro customs limit. Instead, let's focus on solutions that support competitive pricing, innovation, sustainability, and financial fairness. Keeping the limit intact will protect consumers, preserve the environment, and uphold the principle of fair competition.

Please sign this petition to show the EU that we value affordability, sustainability, and fairness. Together, we can make a difference.