Tesco takes a bold step in retail by covering VAT on period pants, enhancing affordability.
- The UK’s taxing of period pants, unlike other exempted products, has seen recent advocacy for change.
- A permanent 20% price cut aligns Tesco’s period pants with products exempt from VAT since 2021.
- The Say Pants to the Tax campaign is a key initiative pushing for reclassification of period pants.
- Christine Heffernan emphasizes Tesco’s commitment to reducing costs and promoting sustainability.
Tesco, a leading supermarket chain, has initiated a groundbreaking move to alleviate the financial burden associated with purchasing period pants. By covering the VAT cost, Tesco effectively reduces the price of its F&F range, making these products more accessible to consumers.
The UK has had a longstanding issue with the taxation of period products. Although most period-care items have been exempted from VAT since 2021, period pants have remained taxed. This differential in taxation prompted Tesco to join the Say Pants to the Tax campaign, advocating for policy change.
With the launch of a permanent 20% price reduction, Tesco’s F&F period pants are now priced competitively with other VAT-exempt period products. For example, a three-pack of these pants has dropped from £18 to £14.50, and a single pack from £7.50 to £6, providing significant savings for customers.
The campaign to reclassify period pants and exempt them from VAT altogether aims to correct this inconsistency in product classification. Through strategic pricing adjustments, Tesco underscores the importance of these efforts and aligns itself with broader consumer advocacy movements.
Christine Heffernan, director of group communications at Tesco, stated, “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.” This underscores Tesco’s ongoing commitment to tackling financial challenges faced by consumers and promoting sustainable solutions.
Tesco’s initiative not only aligns with consumer advocacy but also sets a precedent in the retail industry toward sustainable and affordable period care solutions.
