Jersey politicians to vote on scrapping 'tampon tax'

Friday 11 March 2022

Jersey could finally get rid of its ‘tampon tax’ this year, if politicians agree.

Senator Kristina Moore has put forward a proposition to make menstrual items including sanitary towels and tampons exempt from 5% GST.

In a report setting out her argument, the Senator notes that Jersey is the only place left in the British Isles to not get rid of the taxation on menstrual products.

“5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied on sales of goods and services in the Island. However, there are some exemptions to this rule - medical supplies, for example, are exempt from GST,” she continues.

“Menstrual products are not exempt – which means that they are considered a luxury item.

“As the Red Box Project so rightly cite… periods are not opt-in! They are not something that is a choice – and they are not a luxury. At present there are charities that provide menstrual projects in schools– however women should not have to turn to charity to deal with period poverty.”

She is therefore asking that States Members agree period products should be exempt from GST and officially instruct the Treasury Minister to make the necessary changes to the law to ensure the 5% tax is removed.

Senator Kristina Moore concludes that her proposal would be “one step toward the improvement of period poverty on the island” - something she says the island is “long overdue in bringing forward.” 

A vote is currently scheduled to take place on 25 April.

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