M&S follows Tesco’s example by covering the cost of VAT on period underwear
Since launching Say Pants to the Tax two weeks ago, Marks & Spencer and WUKA’s campaign to make period pants free from VAT continues to gather support. However, the retailer has jumped the gun by covering the VAT costs on period underwear as it awaits the government's response to the petition.
The public letter, which calls upon the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to reclassify period pants as a period product, now has 70 signatories, including Tesco’s, Sainsbury’s, Mountain Warehouse and Earthwise Girls. To date, over 27,000 people have signed the petition.
M&S has readily removed VAT costs, which means a three pack of period knickers that currently retail at £20 will now have a new lower price of £16 and so on.
This brings period pants in line with other period products, which have been exempt from VAT since 2021. At the time, the Government failed to recognise period underwear as menstrual products and classified them as garments.
However, period underwear is becoming increasingly popular and is viewed as a more sustainable approach to self-care during periods. Highly absorbent and made using anti-odour technology, period pants are designed to be worn instead of traditional menstrual products, such as towels and tampons, but can also be used as an added layer of protection.
Victoria McKenzie-Gould, Corporate Affairs Director at M&S, said: "More than 27,000 people have now signed the petition and it’s fantastic to see two other major retailers – Sainsbury’s and Mountain Warehouse - join our campaign with WUKA, as well as fantastic charities; momentum is building!"
Christine Kasoulis, Clothing, Home and Furniture Director at Sainsbury’s, added: "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."
