Drug Administration Law of China (2019 Revision) · Yalla China
中华人民共和国药品管理法 / Drug Administration Law of China (2019 Revision)
Enacted: 2019-08-26 ✅ Effective: 2019-12-01
📝 Overview
Regulates production, distribution, and sale of drugs in China, defines controls on personal-use drug imports, with strict penalties for counterfeit medicines.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
Drug Administration Law (revised 2019): (1) imported drugs must have National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approval; (2) importing small quantities for personal use: permitted in reasonable quantities not exceeding personal needs usually 3-6 months; (3) narcotics and psychotropic substances: require special medical documentation; (4) counterfeit drugs: fines 15-50 times production value + imprisonment in serious cases; (5) foreign prescriptions: accepted at tier-3 hospitals but local confirmation may be requested.
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
Always carry a certified prescription from your doctor when importing controlled medications. Do not purchase prescription drugs in informal markets.
📎 Official source
National People's Congress Standing Committee
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026