Sainsbury’s, alongside Tesco, urges the UK government to remove VAT on period pants.
- Currently, disposable products like pads and tampons are zero-rated for VAT, but period pants are taxed at 20%.
- These reusable products are unfairly classified as garments, adding a financial burden for consumers.
- Sainsbury’s pledges to pass any VAT savings directly to customers.
- The initiative supports innovation and sustainability in menstrual product choices.
Sainsbury’s has aligned with Tesco, M&S, and WUKA in calling for the removal of the 20% VAT on period pants, highlighting the disparity in taxation compared to zero-rated disposable products like pads and tampons. Presently, reusable period pants are classified as garments, which imposes a financial burden on consumers seeking sustainable menstrual solutions.
Sainsbury’s has joined the ‘Say Pants to the Tax’ campaign, which encourages other businesses to support the removal of this tax. The company emphasizes that any future reduction in VAT would be directly passed onto customers, thus making these sustainable options more affordable.
Christine Kasoulis, Sainsbury’s clothing, home, and furniture director, stated, “We want our customers to be empowered by freedom of choice in the types of period products they use, and for many, price can be a barrier.” She further added that “Period pants are an innovative and sustainable solution” and the company is committed to inclusivity and doing right by its customers.
This move by Sainsbury’s reflects a broader commitment to innovation and sustainability within the retail sector, aiming to address the unfair price premium that currently exists on these products. By advocating for tax equality, they hope to enhance accessibility and environmental sustainability in menstrual product choices.
The unified call from major retailers aims to foster equitable, sustainable practices in menstrual product pricing.
