The campaign ‘Say Pants to the Tax’ by M&S sees significant progress.
- The UK government is reviewing the VAT status of period pants.
- Period products like pads and tampons are VAT exempt, but period pants are taxed as garments.
- M&S, WUKA, and major retailers are pushing for tax removal on period pants.
- Tesco and Sainsbury’s have joined the campaign, offering price reductions by covering VAT.
The ‘Say Pants to the Tax’ initiative by M&S has achieved a notable milestone as the government has decided to revisit the tax policy on period pants. For the first time, there is a consideration to potentially adjust the tax classification of these products, which remain taxed at 20% in contrast to other period products like tampons and pads that are VAT exempt.
Currently, period pants fall under the category of garments and face a 20% VAT. This taxation rule implies they are not considered essential products, unlike tampons and pads, which have enjoyed a zero VAT rate since 2021. The government has indicated that some period pants are eligible for a zero rate, but this only applies to items intended for girls under the age of 14.
Given this limitation, a large demographic continues to bear the VAT cost. M&S has committed to absorbing this tax on its range of period pants to make them more accessible to the general population. This move underscores their commitment to equality and affordability.
The campaign has garnered additional support from significant retailers. Tesco has already implemented a 20% price reduction across its F&F range of period pants by covering the VAT, ensuring these products are competitively priced with other VAT-exempt items. Sainsbury’s has also pledged similar actions, stating any future VAT adjustments will directly benefit consumers.
This collective effort from the retail industry indicates a robust demand for equitable treatment of period pants, aligning them with other essential sanitary products.
The collaborative initiative by retailers highlights an ongoing shift towards tax equity for essential female hygiene products.
