22-05-2025
Government urged to make SPF products exempt from tax
The Government is being urged to make SPF products exempt from tax, as Ireland has the highest incidence rate of skin cancer in Europe.
According to the Irish Cancer Society, there are almost 12,000 cases of skin cancer diagnosed in Ireland every year, with nine out of 10 being caused by ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) from the sun or sunbeds.
Under VAT law, sunscreen products are not exempt from the standard rate of VAT, which is currently 23 per cent. Fake tanning brand TanOrganic has launched an online petition calling for SPF products to be tax-free.
In a recent survey, it found that 54 per cent of respondents said they considered SPF too expensive and 60 per cent said cost influences their purchasing decisions. TanOrganic owner Noelle O'Connor said: "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."
Kelsey O'Donnell, a skin cancer specialist nurse in the Mater Hospital Dublin, said despite skin cancer being one of the most preventable cancers, it's still one of the most common. She added: "I see the physical impact and the emotional toll it can take on patients and their loved ones every day.
"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."
