The government says the change is part of a broader attempt to boost the country’s falling birth rate and modernise its tax code. The policy shift comes amid continuing demographic decline, despite previous incentives to encourage larger families.


From 1993 until now, condoms and many contraceptives have been VAT-exempt as part of past population control strategies. Critics and social media users ridicule the tax, arguing it may have little impact on birth decisions. The tax change sits alongside other incentives like IVF discounts, childcare subsidies and expanded parental benefits.