Various family advocacy organizations throughout Europe have long urged member countries to reduce the type of VAT applied to diapers throughout the European Union. But finally diaper VAT does not fall in Europe.
The European Commission confirmed a few days ago that, since they have not reached an agreement to apply a reduced VAT to children's diapers, this measure would not be legal and the states that carry it out would do so against the higher provisions. Unanimity was necessary and some of the member countries have opposed.
It is surprising that an article like this will continue to have a VAT as if it were a luxury item. I do not say that there are no greener and cheaper alternatives than industrial diapers, but the use of one or the other is essential for most families who do not have time or information to use washable diapers or to apply systems that make unnecessary Its use.
A baby's diapers cost an average of 75 Euros per month during the first two years. In the case of large families the cost soars. There are undoubtedly luxury items for which it doesn't hurt to pay high taxes, but I don't see the logic of applying this criterion to diapers. But nevertheless diaper VAT will not go down.
