Can medical products be imported into China?

Yes, but heavier restrictions are imposed on the import of medical products. These products must be conducted via ports specifically designated for importing them. Currently there are 19 of those ports in China: Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Dalian, Qingdao, Chengdu, Wuhan, Chongqing, Xiamen, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Haikou, Xi’an and Nanning.

In order to pass through Chinese Customs, the consignee must apply for a Medical Product Import Clearance Form (Clearance Form) with a drug administration authority located in the approved port. To apply for the Clearance Form, a Medical Product Import Registration Certificate (Registration Certificate) issued by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) is required.

To import anesthetic and psychotropic drugs, an import permit is required. CFDA designated institutions will conduct additional inspections, and a Port Inspection Notice of Imported Drugs (Inspection Notice) will be issued upon approval.