I recently purchased over $100 in cloth diapers from an online shop. It wasn’t until reviewing my blog expenses (since a couple of those diapers were for self-sponsored giveaways) that I thought to myself… “Gee, the tax on these seems high!”
QST (Quebec’s provincial sales tax) is just under 10%, but cloth diapers are PST-exempt, since they’re baby supplies (as are disposable diapers). The shop, however, had made a mistake, and charged me QST on top of GST, so almost 15%. That makes a big difference on a big purchase! Thankfully, I noticed, and when I pointed it out, the company was happy to refund me.
But, it got me wondering: how many businesses are charging provincial sales tax on cloth diapers, and how many parents don’t realize they’re being overcharged? I’m not accusing business of charging PST on purpose… I don’t doubt that it’s an honest mistake. Just make sure you’re not being charged PST next time you make a fluffy purchase! For those provinces with HST, you should only be paying the federal portion of the HST rate.
Supporting documents:
- British Columbia
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick (Sorry, haven’t found a link yet.)
- PEI
The diaper in the image above was made by Green Bumkin.

Isabel says
I believe the same applies to nursing bras, at least in Quebec.
Maman Loup says
I think you’re right!
Natasha M says
When I lived in B.C. all children’s clothes were PST exempt, but here in NB they don’t seem to be. All the stores charge full HST on all baby items which I find ridiculous! I sure wish that NB followed suit with the rest of the country!
Melanie says
Revenue Canada recently sent me this document. If I am reading it correctly, online retailers should tax according to buyers province and the only provinces that offer a diaper rebate are Ontario & Nova Scotia (page 36/37). http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/gp/rc4022/rc4022-13e.pdf
Lindsay says
It also lists BC, and in Quebec it is also the case: http://www4.gouv.qc.ca/EN/Portail/Citoyens/Evenements/DevenirParent/Pages/tax_vent_prodt_beb.aspx