Travelling to China with Prescription Medication
China Must-KnowIf you are planning an extended trip (around 3~6 months) starting with a month in China and are concerned about potential issues with bringing (large supply maybe) prescription medication into China, hopefully this post can be of some help.
TL;DR
- Yes you can. They don't generally do not scrutinize personal medications. But if the amount is large or you stick to some specific medicine which may not be available elsewhere:
- Prepare the documentation needed before your departure
- Do some research how you can buy it in China
Customs Regulations and Preparations
Customs in China are generally strict when it comes to prescription medications, especially if they are opioids, sedatives, or psychotropics. However, for medications like Oxcarbazepine, which are not classified as controlled substances, the regulations are less stringent. It is still advisable to declare the medication upon arrival, especially if carrying a large supply.
I attach the official regulations at the end of this post, just FYI.
Documentation Needed (Before Departure)
- Prescription and Doctor’s Note: It is crucial to carry the original prescription and a detailed doctor’s note explaining the necessity of the medication. The note should mention the medical condition (epilepsy), the duration of travel, and the difficulty in sourcing the medication in some countries.
- Translations: Having the doctor’s note translated into Mandarin by an official translation service or a recognized institution (e.g., Confucius Institute) can be very helpful. This ensures that customs officers, who may not be familiar with the English brand name, can understand the medical necessity.
- Pharmacy Receipts: to show your legitimate purchase.
- Original Packaging: It is recommended to keep medications in their original packaging with labels intact. This helps customs officials identify the contents easily.
Quantity Limits
While there are no strict quantity limits for non-controlled prescription medications, it is important to ensure that the amount carried is reasonable relative to the duration of the stay. Carrying several months’ worth of medication may raise suspicion, so it is advisable to have supporting documentation to justify the quantity.
Practical Tips
Purchasing Medication in China
Customs officials in China generally do not scrutinize personal medications unless they appear to be in large quantities or are suspicious in nature. So do your research in advance to see if your medication is available in China. This can help you decide how much to bring with you.
- Paracetamol and Common OTC Medications: Paracetamol is widely available in local drugstores in China and is not banned. Other OTC medications like Naproxen and Omeprazole are also generally allowed. You can bring these medications into China without any issues as well.
- Availability: Many common prescription medications are available in Chinese pharmacies. However, the brand and manufacturer might differ. It is recommended to check online platforms like Jingdong (京东) to see if the specific medication is available before packing large quantities.
- Quality Concerns: Be aware that the quality of medication can vary. While China has strict quality control regulations, it is advisable to verify the authenticity and quality of the medication if purchasing locally.
Additional Advice
- Contacting Embassies: It is always a good idea to contact the Chinese embassy in your home country to confirm if your medication is on any restricted lists.
- Online Pharmacies: For those who prefer not to pack large quantities, online pharmacies in China can deliver medications within a day, especially in large cities. Checking platforms like Ele.me or Jingdong can provide options for purchasing imported drugs.
Take it easy
Traveling to China with a large supply of prescription medication is manageable with proper preparation. Ensuring you have all necessary documentation, translations, and understanding the availability of your medication in China can help avoid potential issues with customs.
It is also advisable to consider purchasing medication locally as your plan B if it is available and of acceptable quality.