Archive · 14 Dec 2025
China to tax condoms to boost birth rates
China is going to start taxing condoms and birth control by 13% from next year.
This is to help more people have babies because there are not enough young people to take care of the older ones.
The government is also giving more time off for moms and dads to take care of new babies.
But many young people are still worried about money and jobs, which makes them not want to have kids.
A long time ago, China had a rule that said people could only have one child, but now they want more babies.
China will impose a 13% tax on condoms and contraceptives starting January 1, 2026.
The tax aims to encourage higher birth rates to address the aging population.
Government incentives include extended maternity leave and proposed paternity leave.
Economic pressures and job market challenges discourage young adults from having children.
The policy shift contrasts with China's former one-child policy, which ended in 2016.
- Who
- Chinese government
- What
- Imposing 13% tax on condoms and contraceptives
- When
- Starting January 1, 2026
- Where
- China
- Why
- To encourage higher birth rates and address aging population
- Tax Rate
- 13%
- Effective Date
- January 1, 2026
- Maternity Leave
- 158 days in major cities
- Paternity Leave
- 30 days (proposed)
- Previous Policy
- One-child policy (ended 2016)