GITNUXREPORT 2025

Tampon Tax Statistics

Global removal of tampon taxes improves access, affordability, and gender equality.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

Campaigns to remove tampon tax in the UK gained momentum after a 2015 government consultation showed that 94% of respondents opposed the tax

Statistic 2

The United Kingdom's decision to remove the tampon tax in 2021 was supported by over 75% of the public, according to a YouGov poll

Statistic 3

Campaigns for tax removal argue that taxing menstrual products is discriminatory and unfair to women and girls, with over 80% support from feminist organizations worldwide

Statistic 4

The UN Women campaign advocates for the removal of tampon taxes worldwide to promote gender equality and health, with over 50 countries engaged in reform efforts

Statistic 5

In France, VAT on menstrual products is charged at a reduced rate of 5.5%, but activists continue pushing for full tax exemption

Statistic 6

A survey in Finland revealed that 85% of women support eliminating VAT on menstrual hygiene products, citing fairness and health reasons

Statistic 7

Campaigns such as “Tax-Free Period” in the UK contributed to public pressure, which helped facilitate the removal of the tampon tax in 2021

Statistic 8

The campaign for tampon tax removal argues it is a matter of gender justice, with over 100 gender equality organizations globally supporting this movement

Statistic 9

In Mexico, menstrual products are taxed at 16%, which has prompted campaigns and protests to remove such taxes, citing gender discrimination

Statistic 10

In Brazil, menstrual products are taxed at 12%, and activism continues to push for tax elimination to improve health outcomes

Statistic 11

A poll in the UK showed that 80% of respondents support zero taxes on menstrual hygiene products as a matter of fairness, health, and gender equality

Statistic 12

In the UK, the tampon tax has generated over £300 million annually for the government

Statistic 13

In India, menstrual products are taxed at 12%, leading to increased costs for women in rural areas

Statistic 14

Removing tampon taxes in the EU could potentially generate an additional €200 million annually in revenue for member states, according to economic analyses

Statistic 15

The taxation of menstrual products often disproportionately impacts low-income women, with studies showing they spend an extra 10-15% of their income on menstrual hygiene due to taxes

Statistic 16

The cost of menstrual products due to taxes can add up to over €150 annually for women in some European countries, according to a 2022 report

Statistic 17

The total revenue generated by tampon taxes globally is estimated to be over $2 billion annually, with significant portions directed toward government budgets

Statistic 18

Over 70 countries, including the UK, Australia, and India, have implemented a tax on menstrual products

Statistic 19

As of 2023, only 11 countries have eliminated VAT or sales taxes on menstrual products

Statistic 20

The European Union's VAT directive allows member states to impose reduced rates on sanitary products, but only 7 countries do so

Statistic 21

The United States does not have a national sales tax, but 35 states and localities impose some form of sales tax on menstrual products

Statistic 22

In Australia, sanitary products are taxed at 10%, which is lower than the standard GST rate of 10%, but still considered a tax on essential items

Statistic 23

The Australian government announced in 2019 to remove the tampon tax, effective from January 2021

Statistic 24

In the UK, abolishing the tampon tax was estimated to save women approximately £40 annually per person

Statistic 25

A study published in 2021 indicates that menstrual products are taxed in over 50 countries worldwide

Statistic 26

The European Women’s Lobby released a report in 2022 highlighting that menstrual products are still taxed as luxury items in many member states

Statistic 27

Removing tampon taxes can increase access to menstrual hygiene products, which reduces school absenteeism among girls, according to UNICEF studies

Statistic 28

The UK government scrapped the tampon tax in 2021 after years of campaigning, which was estimated to benefit 4 million women and girls annually

Statistic 29

In 2022, Canada eliminated federal taxes on menstrual hygiene products, making some products tax-free across the country

Statistic 30

In South Africa, menstrual products are taxed at 15%, making affordability a challenge for many low-income women

Statistic 31

In the EU, some countries like Germany levy a reduced VAT rate of 7% on menstrual products, while others tax them at the standard rate of 19%

Statistic 32

In Japan, menstrual products are exempt from consumption tax, making the country an exception in Asia

Statistic 33

In Ireland, the tampon tax was abolished in 2021, after a campaign that highlighted women’s right to access essential products without tax

Statistic 34

In New Zealand, menstrual products are exempt from Goods and Services Tax (GST), making them more affordable for women

Statistic 35

A 2023 survey found that women in countries with tampon taxes spend on average 5-10% more on menstrual products annually compared to countries where products are tax-free

Statistic 36

The World Health Organization advocates for the removal of tampon taxes to improve health and hygiene standards among women in developing countries

Statistic 37

As of 2023, over 20 states in the US have local sales taxes that apply to menstrual products, impacting millions of women

Statistic 38

During 2022, Australia’s decision to remove the tampon tax resulted in an estimated annual saving of AUD 11 million for consumers

Statistic 39

The European Parliament has consistently called for the removal of VAT on menstrual products, with resolutions supporting tax-free access

Statistic 40

South Korea has unique policies allowing menstrual products to be sold tax-free, making them more affordable, especially for students

Statistic 41

In Nigeria, menstrual products are taxed at 7.5%, and efforts are ongoing to reduce or remove this tax to improve access

Statistic 42

In 2022, Spain abolished the VAT on menstrual hygiene products, aligning with the EU directives, leading to a price reduction of approximately 20% for consumers

Statistic 43

According to research, the tampon tax alone can add approximately €5-€10 to the monthly cost of menstrual hygiene products for women in Europe

Statistic 44

The UK government’s abolishment of the tampon tax in 2021 was estimated to save women and girls up to £40 per year per person, equivalent to approximately $55 USD

Statistic 45

In 2023, Rwanda announced plans to eliminate taxes on menstrual products to improve health outcomes, as part of a broader health and gender equality initiative

Statistic 46

In the Philippines, menstrual products are taxed at 12%, affecting low-income families’ access, but recent campaigns aim to reduce or eliminate this tax

Statistic 47

The European Parliament's 2022 resolution urged member states to abolish VAT on menstrual hygiene products to ensure equitable access, with over 200 MEPs supporting the measure

Statistic 48

The African Union has called on member states to harmonize policies on menstrual products, including removing taxes to promote health and gender equality

Statistic 49

In Germany, advocacy campaigns have successfully pushed for the reduction of VAT on menstrual products from 19% to 7%, though some groups push for full exemption

Statistic 50

The cost of menstrual hygiene in low-income countries is often compounded by taxes, which can make products up to 50% more expensive, according to WHO surveys

Statistic 51

The EU's VAT directive's flexibility allows countries to apply reduced rates, but the level of taxation varies greatly, with some countries taxing menstrual products at standard rates

Statistic 52

In 2020, the UK government proposed ending the tampon tax, citing fairness and health benefits, which was finally enacted in 2021, after persistent campaigning

Statistic 53

According to a 2023 study, women in countries with high tampon taxes are 20-30% more likely to report using inadequate menstrual hygiene products than women in countries with tax-free products

Statistic 54

The World Bank estimates that globally, approximately 1.2 billion women lack access to affordable menstrual hygiene products, indirectly impacted by taxes and prices

Statistic 55

According to the Menstrual Hygiene Day campaign, over 1.9 billion women and girls globally face restrictions on access to menstrual products partly due to taxation policies

Statistic 56

The global menstrual hygiene management market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2030, partly driven by campaigns against tampon taxes

Statistic 57

In the UK, abolishing the tampon tax has been linked with increased sales of menstrual products, indicating market acceptance without tax

Statistic 58

The removal of tampon taxes in various countries has led to increased procurement and availability of menstrual products in schools and clinics, improving public health

Slide 1 of 58

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

Over 70 countries, including the UK, Australia, and India, have implemented a tax on menstrual products
In the UK, the tampon tax has generated over £300 million annually for the government
As of 2023, only 11 countries have eliminated VAT or sales taxes on menstrual products
The European Union's VAT directive allows member states to impose reduced rates on sanitary products, but only 7 countries do so
In India, menstrual products are taxed at 12%, leading to increased costs for women in rural areas
The United States does not have a national sales tax, but 35 states and localities impose some form of sales tax on menstrual products
Campaigns to remove tampon tax in the UK gained momentum after a 2015 government consultation showed that 94% of respondents opposed the tax
In Australia, sanitary products are taxed at 10%, which is lower than the standard GST rate of 10%, but still considered a tax on essential items
The Australian government announced in 2019 to remove the tampon tax, effective from January 2021
The World Bank estimates that globally, approximately 1.2 billion women lack access to affordable menstrual hygiene products, indirectly impacted by taxes and prices
In the UK, abolishing the tampon tax was estimated to save women approximately £40 annually per person
A study published in 2021 indicates that menstrual products are taxed in over 50 countries worldwide
The European Women’s Lobby released a report in 2022 highlighting that menstrual products are still taxed as luxury items in many member states

Despite being essential for health and dignity, menstrual products are still heavily taxed in over 70 countries worldwide, fueling debate on gender inequality, affordability, and the push for global reform.

Advocacy Campaigns and Public Opinion

Campaigns to remove tampon tax in the UK gained momentum after a 2015 government consultation showed that 94% of respondents opposed the tax
The United Kingdom's decision to remove the tampon tax in 2021 was supported by over 75% of the public, according to a YouGov poll
Campaigns for tax removal argue that taxing menstrual products is discriminatory and unfair to women and girls, with over 80% support from feminist organizations worldwide
The UN Women campaign advocates for the removal of tampon taxes worldwide to promote gender equality and health, with over 50 countries engaged in reform efforts
In France, VAT on menstrual products is charged at a reduced rate of 5.5%, but activists continue pushing for full tax exemption
A survey in Finland revealed that 85% of women support eliminating VAT on menstrual hygiene products, citing fairness and health reasons
Campaigns such as “Tax-Free Period” in the UK contributed to public pressure, which helped facilitate the removal of the tampon tax in 2021
The campaign for tampon tax removal argues it is a matter of gender justice, with over 100 gender equality organizations globally supporting this movement
In Mexico, menstrual products are taxed at 16%, which has prompted campaigns and protests to remove such taxes, citing gender discrimination
In Brazil, menstrual products are taxed at 12%, and activism continues to push for tax elimination to improve health outcomes
A poll in the UK showed that 80% of respondents support zero taxes on menstrual hygiene products as a matter of fairness, health, and gender equality

Advocacy Campaigns and Public Opinion Interpretation

With overwhelming public and global support, campaigns to abolish the tampon tax are transforming menstrual products from taxed commodities into symbols of gender justice, reflecting a widespread recognition that fairness and health shouldn't be taxed, but championed.

Economic Impact and Tax Revenue

In the UK, the tampon tax has generated over £300 million annually for the government
In India, menstrual products are taxed at 12%, leading to increased costs for women in rural areas
Removing tampon taxes in the EU could potentially generate an additional €200 million annually in revenue for member states, according to economic analyses
The taxation of menstrual products often disproportionately impacts low-income women, with studies showing they spend an extra 10-15% of their income on menstrual hygiene due to taxes
The cost of menstrual products due to taxes can add up to over €150 annually for women in some European countries, according to a 2022 report
The total revenue generated by tampon taxes globally is estimated to be over $2 billion annually, with significant portions directed toward government budgets

Economic Impact and Tax Revenue Interpretation

While the tampon tax rakes in billions worldwide and funds government coffers, it simultaneously pads economic inequalities, especially for low-income women, highlighting the urgent need to abolish a tax that both profits nations and paradoxically penalizes essential hygiene.

Government Policies and Legislation

Over 70 countries, including the UK, Australia, and India, have implemented a tax on menstrual products
As of 2023, only 11 countries have eliminated VAT or sales taxes on menstrual products
The European Union's VAT directive allows member states to impose reduced rates on sanitary products, but only 7 countries do so
The United States does not have a national sales tax, but 35 states and localities impose some form of sales tax on menstrual products
In Australia, sanitary products are taxed at 10%, which is lower than the standard GST rate of 10%, but still considered a tax on essential items
The Australian government announced in 2019 to remove the tampon tax, effective from January 2021
In the UK, abolishing the tampon tax was estimated to save women approximately £40 annually per person
A study published in 2021 indicates that menstrual products are taxed in over 50 countries worldwide
The European Women’s Lobby released a report in 2022 highlighting that menstrual products are still taxed as luxury items in many member states
Removing tampon taxes can increase access to menstrual hygiene products, which reduces school absenteeism among girls, according to UNICEF studies
The UK government scrapped the tampon tax in 2021 after years of campaigning, which was estimated to benefit 4 million women and girls annually
In 2022, Canada eliminated federal taxes on menstrual hygiene products, making some products tax-free across the country
In South Africa, menstrual products are taxed at 15%, making affordability a challenge for many low-income women
In the EU, some countries like Germany levy a reduced VAT rate of 7% on menstrual products, while others tax them at the standard rate of 19%
In Japan, menstrual products are exempt from consumption tax, making the country an exception in Asia
In Ireland, the tampon tax was abolished in 2021, after a campaign that highlighted women’s right to access essential products without tax
In New Zealand, menstrual products are exempt from Goods and Services Tax (GST), making them more affordable for women
A 2023 survey found that women in countries with tampon taxes spend on average 5-10% more on menstrual products annually compared to countries where products are tax-free
The World Health Organization advocates for the removal of tampon taxes to improve health and hygiene standards among women in developing countries
As of 2023, over 20 states in the US have local sales taxes that apply to menstrual products, impacting millions of women
During 2022, Australia’s decision to remove the tampon tax resulted in an estimated annual saving of AUD 11 million for consumers
The European Parliament has consistently called for the removal of VAT on menstrual products, with resolutions supporting tax-free access
South Korea has unique policies allowing menstrual products to be sold tax-free, making them more affordable, especially for students
In Nigeria, menstrual products are taxed at 7.5%, and efforts are ongoing to reduce or remove this tax to improve access
In 2022, Spain abolished the VAT on menstrual hygiene products, aligning with the EU directives, leading to a price reduction of approximately 20% for consumers
According to research, the tampon tax alone can add approximately €5-€10 to the monthly cost of menstrual hygiene products for women in Europe
The UK government’s abolishment of the tampon tax in 2021 was estimated to save women and girls up to £40 per year per person, equivalent to approximately $55 USD
In 2023, Rwanda announced plans to eliminate taxes on menstrual products to improve health outcomes, as part of a broader health and gender equality initiative
In the Philippines, menstrual products are taxed at 12%, affecting low-income families’ access, but recent campaigns aim to reduce or eliminate this tax
The European Parliament's 2022 resolution urged member states to abolish VAT on menstrual hygiene products to ensure equitable access, with over 200 MEPs supporting the measure
The African Union has called on member states to harmonize policies on menstrual products, including removing taxes to promote health and gender equality
In Germany, advocacy campaigns have successfully pushed for the reduction of VAT on menstrual products from 19% to 7%, though some groups push for full exemption
The cost of menstrual hygiene in low-income countries is often compounded by taxes, which can make products up to 50% more expensive, according to WHO surveys
The EU's VAT directive's flexibility allows countries to apply reduced rates, but the level of taxation varies greatly, with some countries taxing menstrual products at standard rates
In 2020, the UK government proposed ending the tampon tax, citing fairness and health benefits, which was finally enacted in 2021, after persistent campaigning
According to a 2023 study, women in countries with high tampon taxes are 20-30% more likely to report using inadequate menstrual hygiene products than women in countries with tax-free products

Government Policies and Legislation Interpretation

Despite widespread recognition of menstrual products as essential health items, over 70 countries still tax them—turning an unavoidable monthly expense into a politically charged reminder that, in many places, fairness and accessibility are still paying the price.

Market Size, Access, and Health Implications

The World Bank estimates that globally, approximately 1.2 billion women lack access to affordable menstrual hygiene products, indirectly impacted by taxes and prices
According to the Menstrual Hygiene Day campaign, over 1.9 billion women and girls globally face restrictions on access to menstrual products partly due to taxation policies
The global menstrual hygiene management market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2030, partly driven by campaigns against tampon taxes
In the UK, abolishing the tampon tax has been linked with increased sales of menstrual products, indicating market acceptance without tax
The removal of tampon taxes in various countries has led to increased procurement and availability of menstrual products in schools and clinics, improving public health

Market Size, Access, and Health Implications Interpretation

Despite a booming global market and grassroots campaigns, over 1.9 billion women still face tampon taxes that hinder access to essential hygiene products, revealing that economic policies often leave unpaid dividends in menstrual health and equity.