Petition N°665, calling for a VAT reduction for women's sanitary products, has received over 70 signatures of support since opening on Monday.
Petition author Fatima Rougi, of the association Planning Familial Luxembourg, stated that in the Grand Duchy the super-reduced VAT rate of 3% does not apply to tampon and sanitary towels, which are considered "non-essential" and luxury items and are therefore taxed at the standard rate of 17%.
"We want the government to recognise that having your period, is not optional and is certainly not a luxury," the petition stated. "Planning Familial Luxembourg is therefore asking for a super-reduced VAT on sanitary protection (tampons, pads and menstrual cups) and deems that they should be considered as "basic necessity" products like water, food, pharmaceuticals or condoms".
The so-called "tampon tax" debate has gained significant traction in the media recently. The 5% "tampon tax" which was previously enforced in Great Britain was scrapped in March earlier this year after Prime Minister David Cameron amassed support from EU leaders to bring about looser VAT rules.
To sign the petition, click here.
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