Menstrual hygiene has long been a subject of debate, with women across the globe facing high tax rates on essential period supplies like pads and tampons. In many countries, these items fall under high sales tax brackets, often disregarding potential reductions for essential items or categorizing them as luxuries.
In the European Union, countries have had the freedom since 2007 to deviate from standard sales tax rates and apply significantly reduced tax rates to feminine sanitary products. Despite this flexibility, many countries within the EU have not taken steps to lower their tax rates on these essential items.
According to data from the European Commission, Hungary currently imposes the highest VAT rate on tampons among EU member states at 27%. Denmark and Sweden follow closely behind with a 25% tax rate, while Greece applies a 24% tax on tampons. It’s important to note that these figures specifically refer to tampons and may not necessarily apply to other feminine hygiene products.
However, some countries have made strides in reducing taxes on menstrual products. Finland, for instance, lowered its tax rate on these products from 25.5% to 14% at the beginning of 2025. Similarly, Spain, Poland, and Luxembourg have also taken measures to reduce VAT on tampons to a range between 3% and 5%.
Germany made a significant change in 2020 when it reduced the VAT on menstrual hygiene products from 17% to 7% after officially classifying them as necessities. Notably, three EU countries currently have a zero VAT rate on tampons: Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Ireland’s tax-free status for menstrual products predates EU-wide VAT harmonization rules, while Cyprus and Malta recently implemented zero VAT rates on essential products, including feminine hygiene items.
These tax rates on feminine hygiene products reflect broader societal attitudes towards women’s health and well-being. The disparities in tax rates across Europe highlight the ongoing struggle for gender equality and access to essential healthcare products for women.
Valentine Fourreau, a Data Journalist, emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the financial burdens that high tax rates on menstrual products place on women. By shedding light on these disparities, there is an opportunity to advocate for policy changes that promote gender equality and ensure affordable access to essential feminine hygiene products for all women.
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