By Muhammad Mamman
China has introduced an additional 13 percent tax on condoms and birth control pills, marking its latest attempt to reverse the country’s declining birth rate and deepening demographic crisis.
The new tax measure, announced on Tuesday by state authorities, is aimed at discouraging the widespread use of contraceptives as Beijing struggles to boost population growth after years of record-low fertility figures.
Officials have not yet released full policy details, but the decision aligns with a series of recent government interventions encouraging larger families, including expanded childcare subsidies, housing incentives for parents, and campaigns promoting “family rejuvenation”.
China’s population shrank for a second consecutive year in 2025, intensifying concerns over a rapidly ageing society, shrinking workforce and long-term economic strain.
Public reaction to the new tax has been mixed. Some citizens criticised the policy as intrusive, arguing that rising living costs, long working hours and limited social support—not contraceptive use—remain the real barriers to having children. Others say the government should focus on improving wages and parental benefits rather than restricting reproductive choices.
Health experts have also expressed concern that higher contraceptive costs could lead to increased rates of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, especially among young people and low-income groups.
Beijing has not commented on whether further population-related policy changes are expected but insists the new tax is part of a broader strategy to “support national demographic stability”.
The impact of the policy is expected to become clearer in the coming months as manufacturers, pharmacies and local health providers adjust to the new tax regime.
