VAT dropped from incontinence products.

The announcement made by Customs & Excise (September 11th 2001) will come into effect on the 1st October 2001 and will allow consumers to purchase up to 200 pads, VAT free, per purchase.

Previously consumers have only been eligible to gain VAT exemption by filling out an exemption form. However, many were unaware that they were eligible for VAT relief, or were reluctant to draw attention to their condition by completing the form.

Incontinence affects one in four women and one in 10 men. Incontinence products are available free of charge on the NHS. Research suggests that people suffer in silence for an average of five years before seeking help. This means that thousands of people use over-the-counter products. These over-the-counter products will be reduced by almost 20 per cent in price from October 1 after the Government agreed to drop the 17.5 per cent VAT previously charged on these products.

Incontacts vision is a future where incontinence is no longer taboo, where people with bladder and bowel problems have free access to information and support and to the treatments, products and services they need.