Things to note when purchasing health foods and patent medicines

October 8, 2024

Starting from July 1, 2020, a limited number of drugs can be sent into the country, and the number is limited to two times a year, and prior consent must be applied for.

Starting from July 1, 2020, there will be a limited number of drugs sent into the country, and the number is limited to two times a year, and prior consent must be applied for.
Passengers returning to their country with medicines for their own use should comply with the "Limited Table of Drugs for Self-Use of Inbound Passengers". The total amount of medicines on the list and "over-the-counter medicines" outside the list cannot exceed 6 types. If the limit is exceeded, you should apply for an import consent letter before returning to your country.
If drugs are sent to the country without approval or brought into the country in excess quantities, they may be prohibited drugs under Article 22, Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2 of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, and the maximum penalty is a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

When people send medicines back to their home countries from abroad, regardless of whether they are prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs, they should in principle apply for an import license from the Food and Drug Administration.
Applications for prescription drugs shall not exceed the reasonable dosage stated on the prescription. Non-prescription drugs shall not be applied for repeatedly within 6 months, and the quantity each time shall not exceed 12 bottles or 12 tubes or a total of 1,200 pills.
If the import consent form cannot be verified, and if it is for personal use, the customs will only release 2 bottles (boxes) of each type based on the letter from the Food and Drug Administration, and the total will not exceed 6 types.
Please pay attention to the quantity marked on the drug packaging to avoid exceeding the limit; some high-dose vitamins or health foods are classified as drugs in China and must apply for approval before they can be released.