Romania: Law proposal to eliminate VAT on essential hygiene products

Unaffiliated deputies Dumitrița Albu and Aurora Tasica Simu have submitted a legislative proposal to the Romanian Parliament to eliminate Value Added Tax (VAT) on several categories of essential hygiene products.

The proposal aims to remove taxes from items including menstrual hygiene products, diapers for children, products for urinary incontinence, and condoms. The initiators argue that these items address basic human needs and are not luxuries, stating that hygiene is essential for dignity and health prevention.

The initiative is reportedly in accordance with European legislation, specifically Directive (EU) 2022/542, which allows member states to apply preferential tax treatments to certain essential goods. If passed, the facility would apply to all buyers regardless of income, age, or status.