Elimination of VAT on diapers is not reflected in consumer prices, say mothers

The elimination of the value added tax (VAT) on popular diapers, which was established in the Law for Economic Development and Fiscal SustainabilityIt is not reflected in the prices for the final consumer, assure mothers of families.

María del Cisne Sánchez visited, last Monday, at least five diaper distributors and three pharmacies in the center of Guayaquil looking for information on the so-called “popular diapers”. She has a five-month-old baby who uses, on average, a pack of 50 diapers a week.

Sánchez says that when he heard and read that the VAT on diapers would be eliminated, he thought that the item he buys weekly for his young daughter would drop in price. “I buy the cheapest one, I thought it was one of the popularThe 24-unit package costs me $ 3.15 (including VAT) at a distributor; I thought it would at least go down $ 1 or $ 2 ″.

The 38-year-old mother of the family points out that in several establishments they told her that “They still do not know when the provision to eliminate the tax will be given“; therefore, there are no price changes.

Likewise, Italí Cangas visited two pharmacies and a supermarket located in the north of Guayaquil to quote the price of diapers. Cangas has two children: an eight-month-old and a two-year-old who still wears a diaper. “I wanted to see what were the popular brands to change to and save money on buying that diaper for my oldest son; but in the pharmacies and in the supermarket they told me that they did not know anything “.

She bought, last Monday, a package of 48 units for $ 9.15. On the invoice he marked $ 8.17 plus $ 0.98, corresponding to 12% VAT.

In a tour of diaper shops and pharmacies, in the center and north of the Main Port, it was found that still there is no variation in prices. In fact, a clerk in a pharmacy said that the only changes in prices that have been observed since the beginning of the month are in sanitary pads and intimate soaps, which also enjoy the elimination of the tax. In those articles there are decreases that go from $ 0.05.

These are the products that will no longer pay VAT, according to the draft Law for Economic Development. Not all diapers will have a zero fee

Angélica Mendoza, another mother, said that information is needed on which brands are considered popular. “Pharmacies, supermarkets and stores should have special sections so that diapers are located there, which will have price reductions,” he said.

What the regulation says

The regulation of the Economic Development and Fiscal Sustainability Law, issued on December 29, establishes what is understood by popular diapers.

Items must be intended for the children’s market; they must have a 100% polyethylene waterproof outer jacket; minimum absorption capacity, that is, they are “short-lived diapers”Conforms the Ecuadorian technical regulations current; and a fastening or fastening mechanism with adhesive tapes.

In addition, the legend “popular diaper” must be clearly stated on the respective packaging.

When the Ecuadorian Institute of Standardization (INEN) was consulted on whether There will be some provision for changes in the packaging of diapers that conform to these popular characteristics so that the consumer can identify them., the entity indicated that “said information is not the responsibility of the INEN and that it is suggested to consult the Regulation and Control Agency (Arcsa)”. (I)