3 Jan 2021 The “sexist” European Union tax on tampons has been abolished in the United Kingdom following the departure from the bloc at the end of the Brexit transition period. Prior to Brexit, the United Kingdom was bound by EU law, which mandated that member-states charge at least a 5 per cent European Union value-added tax (VAT) on tampons, which were classified by the bloc as a ‘luxury item’ rather than an essential product. The British government announced on Friday, that as of January 1st, Britain will reduce the tax on tampons to zero per cent. Announcing the measure, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “I’m proud that we are today delivering on our promise to scrap the tampon tax. Sanitary products are essential so it’s right that we do not charge VAT.”