Condoms become more expensive in China, with taxes increased by 13%. The government said that if they become more expensive, people will use them less.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Amid a steady decline in the birth rate, China has taken a major decision. After nearly 32 years, China is going to impose a tax on condoms and other contraceptive products. Starting in January 2026, China will impose a 13% VAT on all contraceptive products, including condoms.

In fact, China has made a major policy change in response to the steadily declining population rate. For the first time in 32 years, China is imposing a 13 percent tax on condoms and other contraceptive products. The reason behind this is to boost the birth rate. The government believes that if contraceptive products are expensive, people will use them less and more children will be born.

It's worth noting that in 1993, when China implemented the "One Child Policy" and promoted birth control, contraceptive products were tax-free. However, Chinese citizens now have to pay a 13 percent tax on all contraceptive products, including condoms. 

Why was such a decision taken?

China's population is set to decline for the third consecutive year in 2024. In a report in January, the National Bureau of Statistics announced that the total number of people in the Asian giant will drop by 1.39 million to 1.408 billion in 2024, compared to 1.409 billion in 2023. According to the United Nations (UN), the number of Chinese women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years) will drop by more than two-thirds to fewer than 100 million by the end of the century.

Discounts on these items

China has decided to tax contraceptive products amid a steadily declining population rate. To boost the birth rate, the government has exempted childcare and family-related services, such as nurseries, kindergartens, elderly care, disabled services, and marriage services.

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