Forza Italia proposes 5% VAT reduction for female tampons: recognition as basic necessities
The proposal aims to reduce the cost of sanitary napkins, considered an unavoidable expense for women, and to realign Italia to European standards, with possible state funding.
Lowering VAT on female tampons from 10 to 5 per cent. This is what Forza Italia is calling for with a bill in the Senate, relaunching the issue of the so-called 'tampon tax'. The aim is to recognise feminine hygiene products as 'basic necessities', bringing Italia into line with the standards already adopted in several European countries. Signing the bill is Senator Daniela Ternullo, with the support of the group leader Stefania Craxi.
Expenditure up to EUR 5,000 for women
'The cycle is not a luxury,' says Ternullo, pointing out that women are forced to face an unavoidable expense during their fertile life. The bill should be assigned to the Senate Health Commission, Ternullo explains to LaPresse, 'if the timeframe is long we will make sure it is included in the budget law. It must not end up on the dead end track'. According to estimates in the report accompanying the text, a woman buys an average of between 10 thousand and 14 thousand absorbents over a lifetime, with a total expenditure of up to 5 thousand euros. This is why tampons, menstrual cups and other feminine hygiene products are not discretionary goods, but necessary tools linked to a biological condition that affects about half the population.
Least revenue of 41.7 million
The Azzurri are aiming to reintroducethe subsidised tax rate, suspended in 2024 after a trial period, estimating a revenue shortfall of around EUR 41.7 million, a figure that could be offset through funds from the Ministry of the Economy.
