Sainsbury’s, aligning with Tesco, advocates for the removal of VAT on period pants, highlighting them as essential menstrual products.
- Disposable period products are exempt from VAT, unlike reusable period pants, which are taxed as garments at 20%.
- Sainsbury’s joins the ‘Say Pants to the Tax’ campaign, promoting fairness and inclusivity in product pricing.
- The supermarket pledges to pass any VAT savings directly to customers, making period pants more affordable.
- Sainsbury’s Clothing Director advocates for consumer choice and sustainability, supporting the call against the ‘unfair price premium’.
Sainsbury’s has taken a notable stance alongside Tesco in advocating for the removal of VAT on period pants, categorising them as essential menstrual products rather than garments subjected to a 20% tax. Currently, the government does not acknowledge reusable period pants in the same tax-exempt category as disposable products like pads and tampons.
This move is part of the broader ‘Say Pants to the Tax’ initiative, which encourages a re-evaluation of tax policies surrounding menstrual products. By including period pants under the zero-rated VAT category, proponents argue that it would eliminate the ‘unfair price premium’ that hampers consumer choice and gender equality in product accessibility.
Sainsbury’s has expressed a commitment to passing on any savings from a potential VAT reduction directly to customers, therefore enhancing the affordability of period pants. This follows Tesco’s lead, which had already adjusted its pricing structure to cover the VAT cost within its F&F range of period pants.
Christine Kasoulis, Sainsbury’s Director of Clothing, Home and Furniture, 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.” Kasoulis emphasises that period pants are not only an innovative solution but also a sustainable one, aligning with the retailer’s broader commitment to inclusivity and ethical practices.
Sainsbury’s support for VAT removal on period pants underlines a significant step towards equitable menstrual product pricing.
