Pink Tax – Short Notes
Definition:
- Not an actual tax, nor government-imposed.
- Extra cost charged for products marketed to women vs similar ones for men.
- The extra amount benefits companies, not the government.
Examples of products/services affected:
- Personal care (shampoos, lotions, deodorants, skincare)
- Clothing (jeans, T-shirts)
- Salon services, haircuts, dry cleaning, accessories, beauty care
Origin:
- Term coined in the U.S., California (1994) after discovering women’s products were priced higher.
Statistics (U.S. study):
- Women’s personal care products: 13% costlier
- Women’s accessories: 7% more expensive
- Women’s adult clothing: 8% more expensive
Pink Tax in India:
- No specific law prohibiting it
- Prices based on market demand
- Limited studies, but price variations exist
Legal stance in India:
- No laws directly addressing it
- National Consumer Disputes Redressal C