Marks and Spencer (M&S) has urged the government to remove a 20 per cent VAT tax from period underwear.

The move comes after the government removed the tax on sanitary products in 2021.

Under current VAT rules period pants are classified as garments and therefore eligible for tax.

In partnership with period underwear brand WUKA, M&S has written to financial secretary to the Treasury Victoria Atkins, the financial secretary to the Treasury requesting that the tax is removed. The public letter has over 50 signatories including from MPs and charities.

The retailer estimates that customers have spent more than £3 million in VAT on period pants, adding that around a quarter of women cite cost as a barrier to using period pants.

If the tax is removed, M&S has promised to pass on the cost savings to its customers. A pack of period knickers which currently retail at £20 will have a new lower price of £16.

The retailer added that period pants are reusable and can help customers save money and eliminate the use of disposable plastic.

Laura Charles, lingerie director at M&S, said: “As the UK’s biggest knicker retailer, we want to do something about the VAT that our customers pay on period pants. Over the past few years, our customers have paid over £1.5 million in tax but if this tax is removed, we can pass the entirety of the cost saving onto our customers. It’s great to have the support of so many brilliant individuals and organisations and we welcome all businesses to sign-our letter and help us say Pants to the Tax!”

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