In a big move towards promoting menstrual health, UK abolished tampon tax. The move will save the average woman nearly 40 pounds over the lifetime.  Treasury chief Rishi Sunak had committed to abolishing the tax on tampons and pads in his budget statement this year, but the change could only come into effect after Britain finally left the economic orbit of the EU.

"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," Chancellor Rishi Sunak said in a release. The EU has a law which prevents member states from reducing the rate of VAT below 5%, thus, treating period products as luxury items and not essentials. Though in 2018, the EU had published proposals to change VAT rules, it is yet to be agreed on by all members.

The Indian government had in 2018 scrapped the controversial 12% GST on sanitary products. This step ensured that many more women belong to rural or urban areas can afford to buy sanitary products. India, Australia, South Africa, are among the few nations that have abolished all sales tax on sanitary napkins and tampons.

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