Namibia's finance ministry has said they will not exempt tampons from sales tax because they are considered to be luxury items. During a radio interview, the ministry spokesperson Wilson Shikoto said underprivileged women and girls typically do not use tampons, which is why the 15% value added tax remains on these items.
Shikoto's comments come a day after the government warned retailers and wholesalers who still charge VAT on menstrual pads that they will be forced to refund customers or pay a fine of $500 by court order.Taxing menstrual products makes them less affordable and accessible, especially for low-income consumers.
The United Nations estimates that one in 10 girls in Sub-Saharan Africa misses school during their period, which can add up to as much as 20% of a school year.THE finance ministry said tampons are not exempt from sales tax because they are considered to be luxury items.