Tesco has become the first supermarket to absorb the cost of the so-called ‘Tampon Tax’ or VAT on nearly 100 Own label and branded sanitary products such as pads and tampons for customers.
Tesco brand director, Michelle McEttrick, said: “For many of our customers, tampons, panty-liners and sanitary towels are essential products. However, the cost of buying them every month can add up, and for many women and girls it can be a real struggle on top of other essential items. That’s why we are reducing the cost of these products by 5%.”
In 2000, the VAT rate on sanitary items was reduced from 17.5% to 5% and following protests and online petitions, the Government created legislation to eliminate the tampon tax which will effective in April next year.
