New York abolished 'pink' tax: which consumers will it affect

The ban on levying the so-called pink tax came into force on September 30, 2020. Who is protected by the new law and where to complain about violators, as well as fines, is reported by the website governor.ny.gov.

About the "pink" tax

This is an additional tax that only women pay. It is levied on consumer goods and services such as razors, shampoos, clothing, dry cleaning, hairdressing and more. Similar products for men are cheaper, although the difference in price is not justified.

The ban on the "pink" tax was introduced as part of the budget for the 2021 fiscal year. It is one of the key components of Governor Andrew Cuomo's program for the advancement of women in society.

With this ban, businesses can no longer charge additional fees for goods or services that are “substantially similar” in terms of gender. Businesses that continue to levy a pink tax should be prepared to pay a fine.

“New York is leading the way in advancing women's rights, and this milestone marks the latest step in New York's journey of breaking down barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for women,” Cuomo said. "With the abolition of the pink tax, women and girls will no longer be subject to unfair price discrimination, and any business that fails to end this abhorrent practice will be held accountable."

New York City Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul noted that women and girls still face inequalities in many aspects of their daily lives. “It is unacceptable that they have to pay more than men for such goods and services,” stressed Hochul. - Removing the pink tax will end gender pricing, financial success and break down barriers for women. We will not tolerate discriminatory practices in our state and will continue to fight to close the gender pay gap and achieve full equality and fairness for all New Yorkers. ”

On the subject: In New York, they want to abolish the tax, which is taxed only half the population

New York's Secretary of State, Rossana Rosado, added that for too long women have paid more for services and products that are essentially the same as men's options. “I applaud Governor Cuomo for his leadership in tackling this widely acknowledged, everyday injustice that affects women of all ages,” she said. According to the New York Secretary of State, this landmark law "marks a new and just era for women."

The essence of the new law

Numerous studies, conducted since the early 1990s, have shown egregious differences in the cost of substantially similar goods and services, depending on whether they were sold to men or women.

The new law directs any person or entity, including retailers, suppliers, manufacturers or distributors, to prohibit charging fees for two "substantially similar" goods or services if they differ in prices based on the gender for which the goods or services are offered on the market.

On the subject: What taxes do New Yorkers pay

“Substantially similar products” refers to two products that have minor differences in the materials from which they are produced, as well as in intended use, functional design, characteristics and brand. For example, if two children's pools of the same brand, the same size differ in price, for example, in pink it costs $ 89,99, and in blue it costs $ 69,99, it is considered a violation of the law.

It will also be a violation if the cost of the same service for men and women is different, for example, dry cleaning of a woman's suit for $ 12 and a man's suit for $ 8.

In addition, consumers now have the right to receive, upon request, a written price list from any service provider.

Fines

Violation of the law will result in a fine. Its amount for the first violation is $ 250, for the second and subsequent violations - $ 500.

Where to report violators

If you find a product or service offered for sale in New York State that does not comply with the new law, please contact Consumer Advocacy at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 16:30 pm, or file a complaint online on this site... The department can also be contacted via Twitter or Facebook.