In recent years, China’s pharmaceutical industry has made significant progress in quality control, safety standards, and regulatory transparency. As a result, more individuals, clinics, and healthcare organizations are seeking to purchase prescription medicines from China, whether for personal use, hospital supply, or international trade.
However, since most countries maintain strict control over prescription drugs, buyers must comply with China’s export regulations, the destination country’s import requirements, and customs declaration procedures.This guide provides a clear, step-by-step overview to help you purchase and transport medicines from China legally and safely.
1. Understand the Legal Framework
Before purchasing any medicine, it is essential to understand both Chinese pharmaceutical laws and the import regulations of your destination country.
Chinese Regulations
l According to the Drug Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China, all prescription drugs must be sold through licensed pharmacies, hospitals, or authorized distributors.
l Only companies with a valid Pharmaceutical Business License can legally export medicines.
l Exported medicines must have an official approval number issued by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).
Destination Country Regulations
l Import requirements vary by country.
l Some countries may require import permits, medical prescriptions, or customs documentation before accepting shipments.
l It is highly recommended to verify all requirements with your local customs or health authority before purchasing.
2. Prepare the Required Documentation
To ensure smooth customs clearance and regulatory compliance, you should prepare the following documents:
1. Doctor’s Prescription – Including patient’s name, dosage, duration, and medical purpose.
2. Purchase Invoice – Issued by a licensed Chinese pharmacy or pharmaceutical distributor.
3. Original Packaging and Labels – Keep medicines in their original packaging, ideally with bilingual (Chinese–English) labels.
4. ID or Passport Copy – For individual buyers.
5. Import License or Declaration Form – Required in certain countries such as the EU, USA, and Japan.
Tip: Unless you are a licensed importer, purchases should always be limited to reasonable quantities for personal use.
3. Legal Channels for Purchasing Medicines in China
To ensure product authenticity and regulatory compliance, you must buy only through licensed, traceable channels.
(1) Hospitals and Certified Pharmacies
Large hospital pharmacies and national chains (e.g., CR Care, Dashenlin, LBX Pharmacy) can dispense prescription medicines upon presentation of a valid prescription.
(2) Online Healthcare Platforms
Government-approved e-health platforms such as AliHealth, JD Health, and Dingdang Health offer teleconsultation services, digital prescriptions, and verified domestic delivery.
(3) Licensed Pharmaceutical Exporters
For overseas buyers, it is best to work with authorized pharmaceutical distributors who possess export qualifications and expertise in medical logistics.
Examples include:
l China Resources Pharmaceutical Group (CR Pharma) – One of China’s leading state-owned healthcare enterprises, with full-spectrum pharmaceutical supply capabilities.
l DengYue Medicine – A professional Chinese pharmaceutical distributor specializing in legally compliant, high-quality prescription medicine exports for global clients. DengYue Medicine ensures authenticity, proper documentation, and reliable international delivery.
4. Shipping and Customs Declaration
When sending medicines from China to another country, it’s crucial to follow proper shipping and customs procedures.
l Choose a trusted logistics provider: Select an international courier experienced in pharmaceutical shipping, such as DHL, FedEx, or EMS.
l Declare accurately: Fill out customs forms clearly, including medicine name, quantity, and intended use. Attach prescriptions and invoices.
l Temperature control: For cold-chain medicines, use certified insulated packaging with tracking options.
l Reasonable quantity: For personal use, most countries limit imports to a three-month supply. Larger quantities may require a special permit.
5. What to Do If Your Medicines Are Held by Customs
If your shipment is temporarily detained by customs (in China or the destination country), follow these steps:
1. Provide supporting documents – Doctor’s prescription, invoice, and personal identification.
2. Explain the purpose – Clarify that the medicines are for personal treatment or institutional use.
3. Apply for review and release – Submit additional paperwork if required to request reinspection and clearance.
4. Seek professional assistance – Contact your logistics agent or a compliance consultant for help.
6. Restricted and Prohibited Medicines
Under Chinese Customs and international conventions, the following medicines are prohibited or strictly restricted from export:
l Narcotic or psychotropic substances (e.g., morphine, codeine, or related compounds).
l Medicines containing endangered animal or plant ingredients (e.g., tiger bone, rhino horn, musk).
l “Three-No” medicines – those with no approval number, no manufacturer information, or no proper labeling.
Apart from these, most regular prescription or over-the-counter medicines are allowed for export in reasonable quantities for personal use, provided they are truthfully declared.
7. Practical Tips for International Buyers
l Research import rules: Check your destination country’s requirements before purchase.
l Keep original packaging: Do not repackage or remove labels.
l Retain all documents: Prescriptions and invoices prove your purchase legitimacy.
l Use official channels: Avoid buying from unverified sellers or gray markets.
8. Conclusion
As long as you follow the law and choose legitimate sources, purchasing prescription medicines from China can be safe, legal, and efficient.China’s rapidly improving pharmaceutical quality and regulatory systems have made it a trusted source of medical products for international buyers.
For hospitals, clinics, and individual customers worldwide, partnering with a professional distributor like DengYue Medicine ensures product authenticity, export compliance, and full logistical support from purchase to delivery.
DengYue Medicine — Your trusted partner in pharmaceutical distribution from China.