China Criticised for Imposing Tax on Contraceptives in Bid to Boost Birth Rate

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

China has announced plans to levy a tax on contraceptive products for the first time in over 30 years, as the government intensifies efforts to encourage childbirth amid a sharp decline in the population.

Under the country’s revised tax laws, contraceptives such as condoms and birth control drugs will lose their value-added tax exemption and be subject to a 13% VAT from 1 January.

The decision comes as China’s birth rate continues to fall. Official data shows that only 9.5 million babies were born in 2024, a significant drop from 14.7 million recorded in 2019.

With deaths now exceeding births, India overtook China as the world’s most populous country in 2023.

The policy shift has sparked widespread criticism online, with many social media users mocking the move and pointing out that raising a child is far more expensive than buying contraception, even with the added tax.

One mother, Hu Lingling, said the policy had strengthened her resolve not to have another child, joking that she would “lead the way in abstinence.” She described the decision as harsh and ironic, especially given China’s past family planning policies.