Tesco has taken an unprecedented step to make period pants more affordable by eliminating VAT costs.
- The new pricing aligns period pants with exempted products since 2021, delivering a permanent 20% price reduction.
- Commencing 21 August, the adjustment affects all eight lines of Tesco’s F&F period pants.
- Tesco has historically pioneered financial relief on essential period products since 2017.
- The initiative coincides with the Say Pants to the Tax campaign, advocating a VAT reclassification.
Tesco’s decision to remove the VAT on their F&F range of period pants marks a significant stride towards affordability in women’s health products. By reducing the cost by 20%, the retailer matches the exemption status granted to other period products in 2021. The company has made clear its intent to support its customers by delivering immediate financial relief.
Beginning on 21 August, this change impacts all eight lines of Tesco’s own brand F&F period pants. Now, a pack of three costs £14.50, reduced from £18, and a single pack is £6, down from £7.50. This initiative reflects Tesco’s commitment to easing the financial burden on essential health products.
Tesco’s recent actions align with their 2017 initiative, where they became the first retailer to cover the VAT on nearly 100 own label and branded tampons and sanitary products. This history of consumer-focused adjustments highlights Tesco’s ongoing role in promoting affordability and access.
Furthermore, Tesco’s involvement with the Say Pants to the Tax campaign underscores a broader objective: urging the government to reclassify period pants as a VAT-exempt period product. This advocacy reflects a coalition of voices aiming for policy change to support women’s health.
Christine Heffernan, Tesco’s Group Communications Director, articulated the company’s mission by stating, “We know that the cost of buying essential period products can be a real struggle for many people and we want to do our bit to help by covering the cost of VAT on period pants, helping to make this more sustainable option more affordable for customers.”
Tesco continues to set a precedent in retail by prioritising customer affordability and supporting advocacy for women’s health products.
