Tesco becomes first retailer to cover VAT cost on period pants

The retailer confirmed in a statement that from today, August 21, the 20% reduction on Tesco’s eight lines of F&F period pants will “bring them in line with other period products”, which have been exempt from VAT since 2021.

The news comes as Tesco joined Primark as the latest retailers to back the Say Pants to the Tax campaign, launched by Marks & Spencer and Wuka, which saw retailers committing to passing on the cost saving to customers if VAT was to be removed.

The move will see a three pack of period pants reduced from £18 to £14.40 and a single pair of pants will now be available to shoppers at £6, rather than the original price of £7.50.

Tesco said it is now offering “market-leading value” on period pants as a more sustainable and reusable option.

The retailer was also the first to cover the cost of VAT on tampons and sanitary products in 2017 before the government confirmed its decision to remove the VAT in 2021.

Tesco group communications director Christine Heffernan said: “We know that the cost of buying essential period products can be a real struggle for many people. And we want to do our bit to help by covering the cost of VAT on period pants, helping to make this more sustainable option more affordable for customers.

“We were the first retailer to cover the cost of VAT on period products in 2017 and we’re proud to be helping customers again by covering the cost of VAT on period pants now, to make them that bit more affordable”.