Removing VAT on Menstrual Products
Progress on this issue
19 May 2026
Issue raised
To:
Federal Parliament of Nepal,
Menstrual products are an essential healthcare necessity, yet they continue to be subject to a 13% Value Added Tax (VAT) in Nepal. This increases the financial burden on menstruating individuals and creates barriers to accessing safe and hygienic menstrual products.
Following discussions with SpeakUp Nepal and the Pad2Go team, I raised concerns about the taxation of menstrual products and the need to recognise them as essential healthcare items. The issue is being taken forward for discussion in Parliament as part of broader efforts to promote menstrual equity and ensure that public policies reflect the everyday realities and needs of women and girls.
Key Recommendations:
- Remove VAT on menstrual products by recognising them as essential healthcare items.
- Review tax policies that disproportionately affect women and girls.
- Improve the affordability and accessibility of safe menstrual products across Nepal.
- Promote menstrual health and dignity through evidence-based public policy.
