Sainsbury’s has joined a movement alongside Tesco, pushing for VAT removal on period pants.
- Period pants currently face a 20% VAT due to being classified as garments, unlike disposable period products.
- Sainsbury’s aligns with M&S and WUKA, advocating for change under the ‘Say Pants to the Tax’ campaign.
- The retailer promises to pass any VAT savings directly to its customers.
- Christine Kasoulis highlights period pants as a sustainable and innovative solution, supporting customer choice.
Sainsbury’s is backing a campaign to remove the 20% VAT on period pants, in line with actions previously taken by Tesco. While disposable products like pads and tampons are VAT-exempt, reusable period pants are controversially categorized as garments, incurring a tax. This move is part of a broader advocacy for fair tax policies on menstrual products.
This initiative forms part of the ‘Say Pants to the Tax’ campaign, which has seen major retailers including M&S and menstrual product company WUKA, join forces to challenge the classification. The consensus is that period pants should be recognised alongside other menstrual products to avoid the unfair financial burden on consumers.
Sainsbury’s has committed to transferring any potential VAT reduction savings to customers, reinforcing their commitment to affordability and accessibility. Such a promise illustrates their dedication to easing the financial pressures associated with period products. Executives within the company view this as a positive step towards inclusivity and consumer empowerment.
Christine Kasoulis of Sainsbury’s emphasises the importance of empowering customers through diverse menstrual product offerings. She identifies price as a potential barrier for many, and advocates period pants as both an innovative and eco-friendly option. The retailer’s stance on this issue echoes a growing sentiment towards sustainability in consumer goods.
The movement towards VAT exemption for period pants gains momentum, reflecting evolving consumer and retailer priorities.
