A debate has emerged in Jersey over whether to remove the goods and services tax (GST) on sanitary products sold in retail shops. Social Security Minister Senator Elaine Millar argued that eliminating the tax would be neither practical nor effective, stating that the financial benefit to consumers would be minimal. She calculated that removing the 5% tax would save shoppers approximately 25 pence monthly on products costing £5, compared to the full cost savings available through the government’s free period product initiative.
The government introduced its free sanitary product scheme in October 2022, providing items at numerous public locations including government buildings and public restrooms. The scheme has cost more than £500,000 since its inception. Millar emphasized that the program addresses both affordability and accessibility concerns, making period products available at no cost to those who need them. She maintained this approach was superior to a tax reduction, which she believed would not constitute a meaningful policy solution.
Campaigners and members of the public have challenged this position, arguing that removing GST would demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and acknowledge that sanitary products are necessities rather than luxuries. Jersey remains the only location in the British Isles that applies tax to such products. A 2022 vote had nearly resulted in GST removal, but the government reversed course when it launched the free product scheme instead. Debbie Taylor, president of Soroptimist International Jersey, characterized the continued taxation as discriminatory and called for reconsideration, particularly given increased female representation in the current government administration.
Members of the public expressed mixed views. Some criticized the tax as inappropriate for essential items, while others acknowledged that the free product scheme provided meaningful relief despite the ongoing tax on retail purchases. Currently, GST exemptions apply only to financial services, insurance, postal services, medical supplies, prescription medicines, charitable supplies, registered childcare, certain burial and cremation services, and school fees.
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