Remove VAT on all menstruation and menopause products, Congress hears

The Government must extend VAT exemptions to all menstruation and menopause products, GMB Congress heard.

Since 2021 when VAT was removed on menstrual products, manufacturers have developed new products which fall outside the original classifications and are therefore subject to VAT, delegates heard.

Congress voted to lobby the Chancellor and ministers to extend the VAT exemption to all menstrual products, as well as menopause-related products.

Karimah Kelly, GMB Congress Delegate, told Congress:

“In 2021, the Government rightly removed VAT from menstrual products, recognising that they are essential items, not luxury goods.

“Menstruation is not a choice. We do not choose to experience menopause.

“So how can it be right that essential products, required because of biology, continue to be taxed?

“This is about dignity, about equality and about ensuring that nobody is penalised financially for something that is entirely beyond their control.”