Spain lowers VAT on menstrual hygiene products, condoms from 10% to 4%

Spain's VAT rate on feminine menstrual hygiene products (pads, tampons...), condoms and non-medicinal contraceptives will be cut from the current reduced rate (10%) to the super-reduced rate (4%) in 2023, as confirmed the Minister of Finance and Public Function, María Jesús Montero, on Thursday.

The measure has been agreed within the fiscal package negotiated by the partners of the center-left government coalition (PSOE-Unidas Podemos) and will be included in the state budget for 2023.

The tax reduction will not include baby and adult diapers, products for which Unidas Podemos also claimed a VAT discount.

Minister of Equality Irene Montero celebrated the government decision on Thursday: "The reduction of VAT to 4% of menstrual health products is fiscal and feminist justice," she said.

For the minister, lowering VAT is "very good news" since, in her opinion, fighting against "menstrual poverty is a duty to protect the health of all women."