Currently, sunscreen is classed as a cosmetic and as such 20% VAT is applied. Sunscreen should be re-classified as an essential healthcare product, which would mean that it is VAT exempt.
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Cancer Research UK state that getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple the risk of melanoma skin cancer, and that melanoma skin cancer incidence rates have more than doubled (135%) in the UK since the early 1990s.
The average bottle of sunscreen costs £5-£7, with over £1 of this being the VAT charge applied. Removing VAT from these essential items will encourage more people to protect themselves from the potentially harmful effects of too much sun.