UK does deal to scrap tax on tampons

LONDON -- The UK can scrap all tax on tampons and other sanitary products after a doing a deal with the European Union on Thursday evening, according to multiple reports. 

Tampons and other sanitary products currently have VAT of 5% levied on them, the lowest rate allowable under EU law. 

"There will be a reference in the conclusions that will deal with flexibility on VAT on sanitary products," an EU official told Mashable by phone before the final statement from the 28 European leaders was published. It's unclear exactly what that final statement will say, but reports suggest it will enable the UK to apply a zero rate of VAT to sanitary products.

In an emailed statement, Downing Street spokesman said: “All 28 Member States have this evening welcomed the European Commission's intention to allow Members States to impose a zero rate on sanitary products."

Despite thousands of people campaigning to scrap the tax, the government has maintained it's been prevented from removing it because of European rules. 

The tampon tax has become an unlikely focus in the debate over whether the UK should leave or stay in the European Union. Those favouring an exit cite the tax as an example of the EU's overreach into UK affairs.

Previously, campaigns — including Bloody Disgrace — have called on the government to take decisive action against the tax.

In October, the UK Treasury promised to raise the issue of the tampon tax with the European Commission and in November announced that all the VAT collected from sanitary products would go to support women's charities. 

UPDATED: 10:20 p.m. GMT with a statement from Downing Street. 

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