Leading UK supermarkets call for VAT removal on period pants.
- Sainsbury’s supports Tesco, M&S, and WUKA in government appeal.
- Disposable products exempt, reusable pants face 20% VAT as garments.
- Retailers push for fairness in period product pricing.
- Sainsbury’s commits to transferring VAT savings to consumers.
Leading UK supermarkets are increasingly calling on the government to remove VAT from period pants, a push initiated by Tesco and now joined by Sainsbury’s, M&S, and WUKA. The core of this appeal is based on the discrepancy that disposable period products, such as pads and tampons, are exempt from VAT, whereas reusable period pants are classified as garments and thus incur a 20% tax.
Sainsbury’s support for the ‘Say Pants to the Tax’ campaign signals its commitment to social responsibility and consumer choice. The supermarket giant has announced that if the government agrees to remove this VAT, the saving will be directly passed on to customers. This mirrors a recent move by Tesco, which reduced prices on its F&F range by covering the VAT cost for customers.
In a statement, Christine Kasoulis, Sainsbury’s Director of Clothing, Home and Furniture, emphasised the importance of providing consumers with choice, highlighting how pricing can limit the options available. She stated, “Period pants are an innovative and sustainable solution, and we stand with M&S and WUKA against the unfair price premium currently in place. We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer and are always looking to do the right thing for our customers and colleagues.”
The unified stance of major retailers highlights the need for reconsideration of VAT policies on sustainable menstrual products.
