Germany has slashed its tax on tampons. Many other countries still tax them as ‘luxury’ items. - Cortney Ferretti

Germany has slashed its tax on tampons. Many other countries still tax them as ‘luxury’ items.

 

Miriam Berger 

November 9, 2019 at 9:44 a.m. CST

            This week, Germany cut back its “tampon tax” to a 19% tax targeting the purchase of tampons, pads and menstrual cups.  For years these products have been considered “luxury” items and women have not been happy about it. Many people argued that the value added tax created a burden on women for something that they cannot biologically help. The purchase of a pet goldfish or cut flowers result in a 7% tax because they are considered “everyday essentials”. In the beginning of 2020, the exact details of the reduction will be finalized. Campaigners have sold books- which are considered an essential item- filled with 15 tampons to cheat the system and allow the purchase of tampons without the tax. 

            Around the world there is a debate on how much tax should be set on menstrual products. With these products being taxed higher, the government receives a large amount of revenue from the taxes on this section of the market. The main argument against the tampon tax is that women can’t help getting their period and it is discriminatory against poor women who can’t afford it. Women are teaming up around the world to change these unfair taxes country by country. As a woman, I agree with these activists. Half of the population has to deal with the expense of menstrual products, plus a high tax. There needs to be a change on the high taxation of these products around the world.