Belgium to scrap 21% 'tampon tax'

Belgium's federal government will announce on Friday that the 21% "tampon tax" on sanitary products will be cut to 6%, after a long campaign by consumer and women's rights groups.

Le Soir reports that ministers are expected to confirm the VAT cut - which in theory makes tampons, sanitary towels and menstrual cups about 12% cheaper.

The 21% VAT rate - for so-called luxury goods - was criticised by consumer protection group Test-Achats as well as feminist movement Belges et Culottées, which campaigned under the slogan: "Menstruation is not a luxury".

Federal finance minister Johan Van Overtveldt said this summer that cutting the VAT rate on tampons and sanitary pads to 6% "could be done quickly, if everyone puts their words into action".