The Period Products (Free Provision) Act 2026 has come into operation following its announcement of Royal Assent at Tynwald earlier this month.
Designed to help eradicate period poverty while promoting health and wellbeing, the act supports the promotion of free period products to anyone who needs them and enables a scheme to support the provision of these products in the future.
The bill was brought forward by Joney Faragher MHK, and draws on schemes introduced in Scotland and Northern Ireland to improve access and reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation.
Not a Luxury
Speaking after the act was instigated, Ms Faragher said: ‘I’m really pleased to see this legislation receive Royal Assent.
“Period products are an essential, not a luxury, and nobody should have to worry about whether they can afford them or miss out on school, work or other aspects of everyday life because they don’t have access to them.”
She went on to add: “Making period products freely available is a practical step towards tackling period poverty, removing barriers and ensuring people can manage their periods with dignity. I hope this legislation will make a real difference to people across our Island.”
The scheme will be subject to consultation and Treasury concurrence before being presented to Tynwald for approval.