China has announced plans to begin taxing contraceptive products for the first time in over 30 years, as authorities intensify efforts to encourage childbirth amid a sharp population decline.

Under the the country’s revised tax laws, contraceptives such as condoms and birth control drugs will lose their value-added tax exemption and became subject to a 13% VAT from January 1, 2026.

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 birth, India surpassed 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 pointing out that raising a child is far more expensive than buying contraception, even with added tax.

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