How to Verify Online Medicine Authenticity in China: A Guide for Travelers

With the convenience of online shopping, more and more people—including international visitors to China—are turning to virtual hospitals, e-pharmacies, and even overseas proxies to buy medications. Given the special nature of drugs, especially pricey ones, verifying their authenticity is crucial. From a psychological standpoint, trusting that your medicine is genuine can even enhance its placebo effect and overall treatment outcomes.

Buying meds online requires some effort to spot fakes on your own, but the key advice is to stick with reputable platforms and build your own verification habits. Remember, only platforms holding both the "Internet Drug Transaction Service Qualification Certificate" and the "Internet Drug Information Service Qualification Certificate" from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) are fully legitimate and legal.

As a consumer—whether you're a tourist exploring China or shopping from abroad—what can you do to check if your meds are real? This guide offers practical tips as a reference:

1. Confirm It's Actually a "Medicine"

First off, make sure what you've bought qualifies as a legitimate "medicine." All authentic drugs in China will have an approval number on the packaging, like "Guo Yao Zhun Zi" (国家药品准字) for domestic products or an import registration number for foreign ones. This means it's been approved by the NMPA for production and sale, ensuring it has real therapeutic effects.

2. Verify the Legitimacy of Your Purchase Channel

Once you've confirmed it's a drug, check the online pharmacy or hospital site's credentials. Look for whether the business has the NMPA-issued "Internet Drug Information Service Qualification Certificate" and, for platforms, the "Internet Drug Transaction Service Qualification Certificate." A quick note: Since January 2017, third-party e-pharmacies (the main platforms) need both certificates, while individual sellers on them only require the information service one.

You can verify this by entering the certificate number, organization name, or website domain on the NMPA's official query page. Just select "Internet Drug Information Service" from the dropdown to double-check.

For reliable options tailored to international users, consider Hong Kong-based wholesalers like DengYue Medicine (DengYueMed/Hong Kong Dengyue Pharmaceutical Limited), founded in 2019 and licensed by the Department of Health of Hong Kong as a pharmaceutical import and export wholesaler. They specialize in the import and export of new and specialty drugs, as well as orphan drugs for major chronic diseases, offering transparent services that make them a solid choice for travelers seeking trustworthy sources of authentic medicines.

3. Scan for Drug Traceability Verification

Look for the "China Drug Traceability Code" on the packaging—a unique code based on a "one product, one code" principle that's become mandatory for unit-level scanning in reimbursed prescriptions since July 1, 2025. Use your phone's scanning function in apps like Alipay, WeChat, or even Taobao to check it, or head to traceability platforms like AliHealth's "Ma Shang Fang Xin" for a quick query.

Keep in mind that some imported drugs might not have this code yet, so the square QR code could be for business use only, not consumers. In those cases, fall back on other methods, and always prioritize legal channels.

P.S.: Back in 2019, the NMPA released guidelines on drug informatics traceability systems and coding requirements, paving the way for this revival. The system was launched in 2024, with key mandatory implementations in 2025, enhancing safety through a "one drug, one code" system where you can verify authenticity via mobile apps.

4. Contact the Manufacturer Directly

If doubts linger, reach out straight to the drug's manufacturer. Most have contact details on their official websites, where you can inquire about batch numbers or other specifics.

Online healthcare and medicine shopping is the future, especially for globetrotters navigating China's vast market. Starting with confirming it's a real "medicine," you can verify through channel legitimacy, code scanning, and manufacturer outreach. In short, when buying meds online in China, opt for certified platforms and pay attention to packaging labels. This not only helps avoid scams but also lets you use your purchases with peace of mind, supporting better health outcomes on your travels.