Wine, cigarettes and tampons have all been classed as “luxury goods” in Germany and taxed at the highest possible rate.
The country has one of the higher tax rates on feminine hygiene products in the European Union, ranking 11th out of the 28 member states.
The government, apparently swayed by a growing equal rights campaign, says the sales tax on sanitary products like tampons and pads will be reduced from next year.
From January 1, 2020, the amount of tax on sanitary items will be cut from 19% (for luxury goods) to 7% (the rate for daily necessities).
Green MP Lisa Paus tweeted that the move was a “great success” and “an important step toward a tax system that does not discriminate against women.”
Finance Minister Olaf Scholz told reporters at a press briefing last month: “Many women campaigned for this and now we’re making it happen.”
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