UK Parliament home

This petition was submitted during the 2019 to 2024 Parliament

View other petitions from this Parliament

Closed Remove the VAT on Period Pants

Closed on

In January 2021 the UK Government abolished the VAT on menstrual products, but failed to include period pants which continue to be taxed at 20% because the Government classifies them as a garment. The tax code must be brought up to date in line with products like tampons, pads, and menstrual cups.

This tax is making an environmentally and financially sustainable alternative more expensive.

Disposable products can contain up to 90% plastic and cannot be recycled. To reduce period poverty, improve menstrual literacy and tackle the climate emergency, the Government must act to make this sustainable option more accessible.

We call on the Treasury to remove this burdensome financial barrier and encourage environmentally friendly consumer behaviour.'

2,962 signatures

Show on a map

10,000

Petition progress

View all updates for this petition, with the most recent first.

  • Related activity

    VAT on period pants to be scrapped

    The Government has said that the zero rate of VAT on Women's Sanitary Products will include period underwear from January 2024.

    The announcement was made as part of the Government's "Autumn Statement".

    A petition success

    Although there are often many different factors that lead to Government decisions, all petitions however big or small raise awareness of an issue and can help lead to change.

    Get involved in the work of the UK Parliament

    Sign up to the Your UK Parliament newsletter for the latest information on how to get involved and make a difference.

  • Petition closed

  • Petition published

    This petition can now be signed.

    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 19 October 2021.