Iceland Eliminates “Pink Tax”

Health care products that are specifically for people with uteruses have been taken down a tax bracket, effectively eliminating the “pink tax”, Vísir reports.

The law, which was voted into approval last June, goes into effect now. As such, the VAT on tampons, menstrual pads, moon cups and other menstrual products goes down from 24% to 11%. Further, all birth control will be put in this tax bracket—not just condoms.

As these products are predominantly bought by people with uteruses, the tax on them has often been called a “pink tax”. Changing this law received widespread public approval, with polls as far back as 2016 showing overwhelming support for eliminating the pink tax.

This particular law was introduced by Pirate MP Þórhildur Sunna Ævarsdóttir, with support from the Social Democrats, the Centre Party and the People’s Party. The law passed with 43 votes in favour, and only nine abstentions.