Asda battles against VAT

Asda is taking on the Government with the launch of a campaign to have Value Added Tax removed from sanpro products such as tampons and sanitary towels.

The chain will run a one-month promotion on the products at VAT-free prices starting from October 6. The promotion will be supported by point-of-sale material, advertising in stores and PR in the women’s press.

Asda argues that as essential goods, sanitary products should be exempt from VAT, as are other essentials such as food.

An Asda spokeswoman says a survey of female shoppers showed 72 per cent would support efforts to have VAT removed from sanpro products. “We will be encouraging people to write to their MPs,” she says.