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UK announces zero VAT on reusable period underwear from Jan 2024

23 Nov '23

1 min read

Pic: M&S

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UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced that reusable period underwear will be VAT-exempt from January 1.
Previously, such products were standard rated for VAT, unlike other sanitary products.
M&S's Victoria McKenzie-Gould welcomed the move, highlighting their Pants To The Tax campaign with WUKA, which addressed the over £1.8 mn VAT paid on period pants.

In a significant announcement made during the 2023 Autumn Statement, the chancellor of the exchequer Jeremy Hunt has declared that from January 1, 2024, reusable period underwear will be exempt from VAT. This initiative extends the current VAT zero rate relief on women's sanitary products.

Historically, reusable period underwear was standard rated for VAT, creating a disparity in the taxation of menstrual health products. Victoria McKenzie-Gould, the corporate affairs director at Marks & Spencer (M&S), expressed immense satisfaction with this decision. "We've levelled the playing field across period products by making period pants VAT free," she stated.

This development comes after the 2021 removal of the 'Tampon Tax', which eliminated VAT on tampons, pads, and menstrual cups. However, period pants remained an exception due to their classification as garments. Customers had paid over £1.8 million in VAT on period pants, prompting the retailer to partner with WUKA for the 'Pants To The Tax' campaign, McKenzie-Gould said on the M&S website.

The campaign witnessed widespread support from various sectors, including major retailers, independent brands, cross-party MPs, celebrities, and charities like Wellbeing of Women and Bloody Good Period.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)

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