Tanzania row over wig and hair extension tax

Imported wigs and hair extensions would be taxed by 25%

DAR ES SALAAM - A row has broken out in Tanzania over the government's decision to impose a tax on wigs and hair extensions.

Many male and some female MPs applauded and thumped their desks in approval when Finance Minister Philip Mpango announced the tax in parliament.

Supporters of the levy say it will help women keep their hair natural.

But there has also been public outrage, with women saying they are being punished for wanting to look good in wigs and hair extensions.

Tanzanians tends to uphold traditional values, but society is changing and many women now wear wigs and extensions.

In his budget speech in parliament on Thursday, Mpango announced a 25 percent tax on imported wigs and hair extensions and a 10 percent tax on those made locally as part of a series of measures aimed at increasing government revenue.

The cheapest wigs currently costs around $4, but they can sell for up to $130. Mpango also scrapped the exemption on value added tax placed on sanitary towels, saying consumers had not benefited as businesses did not reduce prices when it was introduced

Opposition MP Upendo Peneza said she would campaign against the removal of the exemption, adding that the government should push businesses to lower their prices. Well-known wig Tanzania importer Annasatasia Sigera condemned the wig tax: "People love artificial hair.

Why of all the things that could be taxed did they opt for wigs?"

One woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she spends $450 on her hair extensions.

"It's like they're punishing us because women like hair and we like to look good," she said.