In news
Britain on became the latest country to abolish the so-called
tampon tax, eliminating sales taxes on women's sanitary products.
Highlights
- Ireland is the only EU country that does not charge a levy on sanitary products as its zero tax rate was in place before the EU set its floor.
- EU law stops most Member States from fully dropping VAT on sanitary products.
- The abolition of the “tampon tax” will save the average British woman about 40 pounds (€45, $55) over her lifetime.
- Scotland has already passed a bill that gives women free universal access to sanitary products in public buildings.
- Countries like Australia, Canada and India have already eliminated the tampon tax, while some states in the US have also got rid of the tax.
Tampon tax
- It is a popular term used to call attention to tampons, and other feminine hygiene products, being subject to value-added tax or sales tax, unlike the tax exemption status granted to other products considered basic necessities.
- Proponents of tax exemption argue that tampons, sanitary napkins, menstrual cups and comparable products constitute basic, unavoidable necessities for women, trans men, and other people who experience menstruation, and thus should be made tax exempt.
Source: Indian Express
