The Government is facing growing calls to remove tax from SPF products, as Ireland reports the highest rate of skin cancer in Europe, reports The Mirror.
Figures from the Irish Cancer Society show that nearly 12,000 people in Ireland are diagnosed with skin cancer annually, with the vast majority—around 90 per cent—linked to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight or sunbeds.
Currently, sunscreen is not exempt from the standard VAT rate, which stands at 23 per cent under Irish tax law. In response, fake tan company TanOrganic has started an online petition demanding SPF products be made tax-free, reports The Mirror.
A recent poll by the company revealed that 54 per cent of people surveyed found SPF to be too costly, and 60 per cent said that price affected their buying habits. TanOrganic founder Noelle O’Connor stated: “I believe no SPF products should be classed as an essential product and should be VAT exempt.
“At the moment, Renal transport patients are the only cohort that can get SPF on a medical card, so the removal of VAT on SPF would be a major step for the Government to take in encouraging the use of SPF in our country,” reports The Mirror.
A recent poll by the company revealed that 54 per cent of people surveyed found SPF to be too costly, and 60 per cent said that price affected their buying habits. TanOrganic founder Noelle O’Connor stated: “I believe no SPF products should be classed as an essential product and should be VAT exempt. At the moment, Renal transport patients are the only cohort that can get SPF on a medical card, so the removal of VAT on SPF would be a major step for the Government to take in encouraging the use of SPF in our country,” reports The Mirror.
“90 per cent of skin cancers are caused by UV emitted sources, even if you only spend a few minutes in the sun without protection, you’re still at risk. I cannot stress enough the importance of skin safety measures using a quality SPF (50) every day regardless of cloud or sun. SPF is not a luxury and should be affordable for everyone. I urge everyone to sign the petition to call upon the government to remove VAT on SPF,” reports The Mirror.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
