(1) Medicines that do not contain narcotic or psychotropic substances:  Under the relevant regulations, travelers carrying small quantities of medicines for personal use when entering or leaving China shall limit such medicines to reasonable quantities for personal use and accept Customs supervision.

(2) Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances: Opium, morphine, heroin, marijuana, and other addictive narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances are prohibited from entering China. All items prohibited from entering China are also prohibited from leaving China, and individuals may not send such items into or out of China by post. When such medicines are required for medical treatment, an individual may carry narcotic drugs and Category I psychotropic substances up to the maximum quantity permitted on a single prescription, provided that the individual presents a certificate of diagnosis issued by a medical institution and proof of identity. Customs will permit such medicines to enter or leave China in accordance with the principles of personal use and reasonable quantity. Medical personnel carrying small quantities of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances into or out of China for medical purposes shall hold a Certificate for Carrying Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances issued by the drug regulatory department of the People’s Government at the provincial level or above. Customs will grant clearance upon presentation of the certificate authorizing the carriage of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Accordingly, when such medicines are required for medical treatment, an individual may carry narcotic drugs and Category I psychotropic substances up to the maximum quantity permitted on a single prescription by presenting a certificate of diagnosis issued by a medical institution and proof of identity. Customs will permit such medicines to enter or leave China in accordance with the principles of personal use and reasonable quantity. For Category II psychotropic substances, the prescribed quantity may be appropriately extended to cover a longer period. Travelers carrying medicines into or out of China are advised to bring supporting documents, such as prescriptions, medical records, or Certificates of Diagnosis, and proactively declare the medicines to Customs officers at the port of entry or exit. Clearance remains subject to the customs authority’s on-site review.

Legal Basis: Decree No. 442 of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China and Decree No. 43 of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China