Explore Our Affordable Courses

Click Here

Tampon Tax

Context:

The Tampon tax is one of the biggest issues of debate in the concept of feminism, as it leads to the high prices of menstrual products and hygiene products for females.

About Tampon Tax:

  • The “tampon tax” refers to the value-added tax (VAT) or sales tax that is imposed on menstrual products such as tampons, sanitary pads, and menstrual cups.
  • In many countries, these products are classified as non-essential or luxury items and are subject to the standard rate of taxation.
  • Critics argue that menstrual products are necessary for the health and well-being of individuals who menstruate, and therefore should not be treated as luxury items. 
  • They argue that taxing these products places an undue financial burden on individuals and perpetuates gender inequality.

Concern: 

  • Advocates also say that in countries where menstruation remains a taboo subject, lawmakers and policymakers show little interest in starting debate about the affordability of period products.

Which countries have abolished the tampon tax?

  • Since Kenya became the first country to scrap VAT on sanitary pads and tampons in 2004, at least 17 countries have followed suit, according to research by the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
  • Among the latest countries to pass laws to abolish the tampon tax are Mexico, Britain and Namibia.
  • In 2022, Scotland became the first nation to make tampons and sanitary pads free and available at designated public places such as community centers, youth clubs and pharmacies.

Why are some countries unwilling to scrap tampon taxes?

  • VAT is an important source of revenue for governments – and the reason why many countries still have a tampon tax. 
  • In countries belonging to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), VAT revenue represented 6.7% of their gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020.
Additional Information:

About Period Poverty:

  • “Period poverty” refers to the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, often due to financial constraints, which can have adverse effects on individuals’ health, well-being, and daily life. 
  • Advocates against period poverty usually campaign for sanitary products to be zero-rated for VAT, as this means producers can also claim back taxes on raw materials, making the final product truly tax-free.

  News Source: The Indian Express

To get PDF version, Please click on "Print PDF" button.

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

Download October 2024 Current Affairs.   Srijan 2025 Program (Prelims+Mains) !     Current Affairs Plus By Sumit Sir   UPSC Prelims2025 Test Series.    IDMP – Self Study Program 2025.

 

THE MOST
LEARNING PLATFORM

Learn From India's Best Faculty

      

Download October 2024 Current Affairs.   Srijan 2025 Program (Prelims+Mains) !     Current Affairs Plus By Sumit Sir   UPSC Prelims2025 Test Series.    IDMP – Self Study Program 2025.

 

Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">







    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.