John Lewis and Waitrose join M&S and Tesco in covering ‘period pants tax’

John Lewis and Waitrose has joined M&S and Tesco in covering the cost of VAT on its range of period underwear.

From the following week, the shops will cover the 20% fee on more than 30 pairs of period pants sold in their stores. It is the latest industry effort after M&S and Wuka’s ‘Say Pants to the Tax’ campaign was launched, which urged the government to abolish the VAT on period knickers.

The specialty pants, which is thicker and more absorbent than regular pants, is categorised as clothing and is therefore subject to a 20% tax.

John Lewis lingerie buyer Jo McKee said, “We’re known for offering great-quality underwear at affordable prices to our customers.”

Waitrose sanitary products buyer Nicki Baggott said, “It’s a no-brainer that period underwear should be classed as a period product.”