28 November 2018

Determination to make feminine hygiene products GST free

The Coalition Government has today signed the determination that will remove the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on feminine hygiene products from 1 January 2019.

The determination delivers on our Government's commitment to achieving this long overdue reform to remove GST from feminine hygiene products.

The determination follows the completion of a public consultation on the definition of feminine hygiene products to be exempt of the GST.

Eighteen submissions were received during the two week consultation process, from product manufacturers, retailers, taxation experts and members of the public.

Items included in the final definition include tampons, disposable and reusable menstrual pads, menstrual cups, panty liners and period or leak-proof underwear.

This definition was developed in collaboration with the Department of Health, and approved by the Office for Women.

The change will be made effective on 1 January 2019, removing the 10 per cent GST that currently applies to these products. The Treasurer has directed the ACCC to monitor the market of these products.

This reform is the result of the Coalition Government putting this issue on the agenda of the Council of Federal Financial Relations meeting in October, where Treasurers unanimously agreed to remove the GST from these products.

The determination can be found on the Federal Register of Legislation and the submissions can be found on the Treasury website.