SPF vs VAT

We all know that wearing sunscreen is one of golden rules of skincare. Not only is it a great way to protect your skin from premature ageing, but it can decrease the risk of skin cancers. So why does the UK pay VAT on sunscreen?

In 2023 the Financial Secretary responded to an SNP MP’s calls for removing tax on sunscreen. Victoria Atkins, Financial Secretary to the Treasury at the time, said that unless prescribed by a doctor, all over the counter medicines would continue to be subject to VAT. SNP MP Amy Callaghan added that a “tiny amount” of people are prescribed sunscreen and sunscreen VAT makes up only 0.03% of annual VAT received by the government.

This year, the call for VAT to be removed on sunscreen has reignited. The #VATBurn Campaign consists of many charities, politicians, and medical professionals asking the UK Government to abolish VAT on factor 30+ sunscreen.

The Skin Cancer Foundation shared that daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (the second most common form of skin cancer) by around 40% and lower your risk of melanoma by 50%. Sunscreen is far more than a beauty product; it provides vital protection.

Similarly, Melonoma Focus found that 86% of melanoma skin cancer can be prevented by sun protection including wearing factor 30+ sunscreen. Medical professionals recommend wearing SPF every day, no matter your skin tone. The #VATBurn Campaign is clear that sunscreens need to be considered essential by the UK Government, and not on a par with products such as moisturisers. Skin cancer alone costs the NHS over £500 million a year to treat.

As the #VATBurn movement proudly grows, they call for the UK to join other developed nations, such as the USA and Australia, in ditching the VAT on this essential healthcare product.

Further Reading:

https://living360.uk/vat-burn-sunscreen-soaring-skin-cancer-rates/

https://www.tax.org.uk/sunscreen-wont-be-made-vat-exempt

https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/

https://melanomafocus.org/vat-burn/