When we think of tariffs, most minds jump to things like steel, electronics, or cars—not vibrators, dildos, or couples’ kits. But just like any other consumer product, sex toys are subject to international trade policies, including tariffs. And while they may seem like a niche category, the global sex toy market is projected to reach nearly $65 billion by 2030. That’s a lot of buzz (pun intended). So, how do tariffs actually affect the import of these pleasure products? Let’s break it down.
Tariffs 101: The Basics
A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on goods imported from other countries. Its primary goals are to:
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Protect domestic industries from foreign competition
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Generate government revenue
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Influence political or economic relationships with trade partners
These taxes vary based on product type, country of origin, and the importing country’s classification system.
Sex Toys and the "Discreet" Customs Codes
One big challenge with understanding tariffs on sex toys is how they’re classified. Customs codes (known as HS codes) are used worldwide to identify and tax goods. Sex toys often get lumped into vague or euphemistic categories like:
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“Rubber articles”
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“Plastic novelties”
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“Massagers”
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“Medical or therapeutic devices”
Why? In many places, sex toys are still stigmatized, and governments avoid explicit references to them in official documents. This classification ambiguity can affect how tariffs are applied—or whether they’re avoided altogether.
Country-Specific Tariff Examples
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United States: Under the Trump-era trade war with China, many Chinese-made sex toys were hit with 25% tariffs, even though they had previously been tariff-free or subject to low rates. Since a huge chunk of sex toys are manufactured in China, this had a direct impact on retail prices in the U.S.
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India: India has some of the highest import tariffs on sex toys, often upwards of 40%. That’s on top of the stigma and regulatory red tape, making it very difficult to legally sell or even import them.
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European Union: The EU generally applies lower tariffs, but classification still varies by country, and VAT (value-added tax) is often imposed on top.
Who Pays the Price? (Spoiler: You Do)
While tariffs are paid by importers, the cost almost always gets passed down to consumers. That means a product that would have cost $50 might retail for $65 or $75 instead. For businesses, especially small boutique brands or startups, these added costs can cut into already thin profit margins.
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Reduced access to affordable products
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Fewer choices for consumers
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Disincentivized innovation in sexual wellness
In a market that’s becoming more mainstream and medically acknowledged, tariffs can act as a significant barrier to accessibility and sexual autonomy.
The Bigger Picture: Politics, Culture, and Pleasure
Sex toys exist in a strange gray zone between wellness, taboo, and commerce. In countries where sexuality is still heavily policed or politicized, tariffs become just another way of exerting control—whether intentional or not.
At the same time, the rise of body-positivity, self-care, and sexual health awareness is pushing demand upward. Consumers are more informed and more vocal. And that means pressure on governments to modernize how they treat the business of pleasure—including trade policy.
Final Thoughts: Should Pleasure Be Taxed?
Like any industry, the sex toy market isn't immune to global economics. But as conversations around sexual health become more open, perhaps it’s time policymakers take a more nuanced approach. Should pleasure be a luxury taxed at 25%? Or should it be treated like any other aspect of health and well-being?
One thing’s for sure—tariffs may be invisible, but they’re felt where it counts.
WE WONT BE INCREASING PRICES TO MEET THE CHANGES IN THE MARKET...PLEASURE SHOULD NOT BE TAXED AS IT HELPS US GET THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES AND STAY HEALTHY.
