Archive · 12 Dec 2025
China Imposes 13% Tax on Condoms
China is starting to charge a 13% tax on condoms and other contraceptives.
This is the first time in over 30 years that these products will not be tax-free.
The government hopes this will encourage people to have more babies, as they used to have rules limiting the number of children families could have.
However, many people are worried that higher prices for condoms could lead to more unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
Some experts think the tax won't make much difference because raising a child is much more expensive than buying condoms.
Others believe it's a way for the government to control people's personal choices about having children.
China will impose a 13% value-added tax on contraceptives, including condoms, starting January 1, 2024.
The tax is part of an effort to encourage higher birth rates after decades of population control policies.
Experts warn that higher condom prices could lead to more unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
In 2024, China saw 9.5 million births, a significant decrease from previous years.
Condom use in China is relatively low, with most couples relying on intrauterine devices or sterilization for birth control.
- Who
- Chinese government
- What
- Imposition of 13% value-added tax on contraceptives, including condoms
- When
- Effective January 1, 2024
- Where
- China
- Why
- To encourage higher birth rates after decades of population control policies
Government Perspective
Public and Expert Concerns
Purpose of the Tax
Government Perspective
The government aims to encourage higher birth rates by making contraceptives taxable, aligning with recent policies to increase the population.
Public and Expert Concerns
Experts argue that the tax will have limited impact on fertility rates and may lead to unintended consequences.
Health Implications
Government Perspective
The government views this as a return to normalizing contraceptives as ordinary commodities.
Public and Expert Concerns
Experts warn that higher condom prices could reduce access to contraceptives, leading to more unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
Public Reaction
Government Perspective
The government has not widely highlighted the change, focusing on other population policies.
Public and Expert Concerns
The public and experts are skeptical, with many criticizing the move as an intrusion into personal choices and a potential health risk.
- Tax Rate
- 13%
- Effective Date
- January 1, 2024
- Births in 2024
- 9.5 million
- Condom Consumption (2020)
- 5.4 billion units
- Gonorrhea Cases (2024)
- 100,000+
- Syphilis Cases (2024)
- 670,000+
- HIV Infections (2024)
- 1.4 million
- Contraceptive Methods
- IUDs (44.2%), Female Sterilization (30.5%), Condoms (9%)
