Tesco announces a pivotal move to enhance affordability for customers by covering VAT costs on its F&F range of period pants.
- The initiative results in a 20% permanent price reduction, aligning these products with VAT-exempt period items.
- Tesco is the forefront retailer in supporting the ‘Say Pants to the Tax’ campaign, aspiring for reclassification of period pants.
- Since 2017, Tesco has been a pioneer, initially covering VAT on tampons and sanitary products.
- This decision reinforces Tesco’s ongoing commitment to alleviating financial burdens on essential period products.
Tesco has introduced a substantial measure to make period pants more affordable by absorbing the VAT costs on its F&F range, effective from August 21, 2023. This initiative includes an approximate 20% price reduction, easing the financial burden for customers. The revision lowers the price of a three-pack to £14.50 from £18, while a single pack now costs £6 instead of £7.50.
In line with this initiative, Tesco actively participates in the ‘Say Pants to the Tax’ campaign, which advocates for the reclassification of period pants to be exempt from VAT, similar to other period products. Notably, Tesco has been at the forefront of this movement, having earlier covered the VAT costs on nearly 100 own-label and branded tampons and sanitary products since 2017.
Christine Heffernan, Tesco’s group communications director, echoed the company’s dedication to easing customers’ financial constraints. She 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.’
Tesco’s strategy to absorb VAT on period pants not only offers financial relief but also supports sustainability by encouraging the use of reusable period products. This approach aligns with the company’s broader efforts to innovate and provide value to customers, ensuring essential products are accessible and affordable.
Tesco’s proactive stance in reducing VAT on period pants underscores its commitment to affordable and sustainable period solutions for customers.
