IMPORTERS MUST SEEK APPROVAL FROM THE CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT BEFORE OFFERING THESE PRODUCTS FOR SALE.
The Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives, and Consumer Affairs has taken a significant step to ensure equal access to female sanitary products for Saint Lucians.
Under the revised regulation, a stringent pricing structure has been put in place allowing for a maximum wholesale mark-up of 30 percent and a maximum retail mark-up of 35 percent on the products. These measures are designed to prevent undue price hikes, making them more affordable for the general public, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Mrs. Sophia Alfay-Henry said.
“All sanitary napkins were zero-rated for Value Added Tax. As an additional support measure to ensure consumers benefit from the 12.5 percent VAT reduction, the Cabinet of Ministers approved an amendment to the Price Control Order No. 54 of 2008 to include sanitary napkins on the list of price-controlled goods effective Monday, October 23, with a maximum wholesale mark-up of 30 percent and a maximum retail mark-up of 35 percent.”
Importers have been issued a stern reminder regarding the approval process for the pricing of these essential items. They must also now seek approval from the Consumer Affairs Department before offering them for sale. This directive is in accordance with Section 35 of the Distribution and Price of Goods Act, as stipulated in Cap 13.09 of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia.
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