The Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs wishes to inform the general public that effective October 23rd, 2023 until August 1st, 2025, sanitary napkins will be price-controlled.
This action became necessary after an impact study conducted by the Consumer Affairs Department revealed that the prices of these essential items did not reflect the expected 12.5% reduction in Value Added Tax implemented by the Government of Saint Lucia from August 2nd, 2023.
Consequently, the Cabinet of Ministers approved an amendment to the Price Control Order to add sanitary napkins to the list of price-controlled items and further approved a maximum wholesale mark-up of 30% and a maximum retail mark-up of 35% on these items.
The Consumer Affairs Department will continue to provide guidance to the business community to ensure compliance and invites consumers to contact the Department at 468-4239 or 468-4226, should you have any queries.
SOURCE: Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer AffairsÂ
When mentioned about it didn’t they all laugh… You paying vat to piss and shit
I GUESS AFTER THE DATE AUG. 1ST 2025 ALL PERIODS STOP FOR ALL WOMEN. I DONT GET THAT JUST STOP THIS PRICE THING AND VAT THING. THESE SUPER MARKETS AND STORES BUY CHEAP GOODS AND FOOD PRODUCTS, AND MAKE TRIPPLE OR EVEN QUARDRUPLE PROFITS ON THIS SMALL ISLAND. PLEASE STOP. LET US LIVE WITH NO WORRIES OF SHOPPING.
saying this as a man it should be free as well but i guess there is alot to consider to get it to being free
What’s the obsession with sanitary napkins with my government
So after these 2 yrs people will not use napkins anymore.
hahahaha funny one to deal with… putting ppl 1st by placing poosy 1st.
As an essential women’s product, 30% and 35% is still TOO HIGH to be taxed. This product is NOT a luxury, but a necessity – and according to @ma malay, it should be FREE!! Especially for teenaged females.
To the male commenters – you will not get it (and I mean it as a pun intended!).
After 3 years, the SLP has finally reached its peak political competency…managing the acquisition & disposal of blood-cloth!
I applaud the government on this effort, although I have two major issues with it.
First, why is there a period and I don’t mean what the sanitary napkins are used for. If it becomes price controlled, then it should be indefinite.
Secondly, this is a very high mark-up on such an essential commodity. Let us assume that the cost of a packet after duties and VAT is $10.00, the wholesalers can sell it for $13.00. Then the retailer can add another $4.55 to it. The actual cost would be $17,55, which would be very costly. I used $10,00 to give an idea, but I’m sure it will be more than $20.00, which would mean $35.10. In my opinion too high a mark-up.