Modifying VAT for feminine hygiene products
7.6.2016
Question for written answer E-004689-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Josep-Maria Terricabras (Verts/ALE)
Council Directive 2006/112/EC and the action plan presented by the Commission in April 2016 refer to the EU's common system of value added tax.
Currently feminine hygiene products, such as tampons and sanitary towels, are included on the list of items at a reduced VAT rate of at least 5%. Exemptions may not be applied even though they are provided for other products in certain Member States.
In the light of the controversy that this inequality in tax rates has generated in several of the EU Member States in recent months, which was to have been resolved in the action plan that was presented in April:
- 1.What steps will the Commission finally take to regulate the tax rate on such essential items used by women in the EU, which are already exempt from tax in other countries?
- 2.Will the Commission take any specific steps to ensure that all EU Member States apply a fair tax rate on feminine hygiene products?