Sainsbury’s has followed Tesco in pledging its support to M&S and WUKA urging the government to remove the VAT that applies to period pants.
Currently, disposable period products, such as pads and tampons, are not subject to VAT, yet the government failed to acknowledge reusable period pants as menstrual products. Under current regulations, they are classified as garments and taxed at 20%.
As a result, Sainsbury’s has pledged support to ‘Say Pants to the Tax’ and is encouraging other businesses to do the same.
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The supermarket giant has also promised that any reductions to the VAT on period pants will be directly passed onto customers.
This follows a move by Tesco last week which saw the leading retailer reduce the price of its F&F range of period pants by covering the cost of VAT.
Sainsbury’s clothing, home and furniture director, Christine Kasoulis, said: “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.
“Period pants are an innovative and sustainable solution, and we stand with M&S and WUKA against the unfair price premium currently in place. We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer and are always looking to do the right thing for our customers and colleagues.”
