Tips for Identifying Authentic and Fake Medications in China During Your Trip

Hello, travelers! If you're planning a trip to China, it's important to be prepared for any eventuality, such as a sudden illness or the need to buy medications. Many tourists, to save on medical expenses, choose to purchase drugs in local markets or pharmacies after a consultation. While this is common, there are risks: you could end up with inappropriate or fake medications, which can delay your recovery or, in severe cases, cause poisoning. Sadly, every day there are people around the world who suffer consequences from fake medications. To help you avoid this during your adventure in China, here we share some practical tips for identifying genuine medications. Remember, these are general tips for travelers; always consult a healthcare professional.

Choose Reliable Purchase Channels and Request Receipts

The first thing is to buy from trustworthy places. Opt for large authorized pharmacies or hospital dispensaries, as they usually have regulated supply channels and prioritize their reputation. For example, companies like DengYueMed, a provider specialized in importing and exporting medications, work with authorized channels that guarantee quality. When buying, always request an invoice that includes the medication name, manufacturer, batch number, price, and more. If you doubt the quality, contact the medication supervision department in China and present the invoice, packaging, and product as evidence. Avoid impulsive purchases based on recommendations from strangers, ads, or phone calls, and reject unsolicited home deliveries.

Check Official Websites

A simple way to verify is to use the website of the National Medical Products Administration of China (formerly SFDA). Go to http://www.nmpa.gov.cn (updated from the previous SFDA), click on "Data Query," then on "Basic Data," and enter the medication name or approval number (Guoyao Zhunzi). If no registered information appears, it's likely fake. This is especially useful for travelers who need to confirm quickly before buying.

Verify the Chinese Medication Electronic Supervision Code

Many medications in China have an electronic supervision code, unique to each unit. Scan this code (usually 20 digits, starting with 8) using the "Scan" function in Alipay or similar apps to verify its authenticity. The code includes details like the manufacturer, product name, and serial number. If the scan doesn't confirm the information, it could be fake.

Inspect the Packaging

Observe the outer packaging: it should clearly have the name, dosage, specifications, manufacturer, batch number, and expiration date. Genuine packaging uses rigid cardboard that doesn't fall apart easily, with vibrant colors, clear printing, and batch numbers that don't bleed through the paper. Fakes are often soft, with dull colors, blurry text, and layers that separate. On aluminum foils for pills, look for clean edges and sharp text; fakes have irregular edges and shadows.

Examine the Pills or Capsules

Authentic pills are smooth, uniform in color, and with clear and consistent engravings. Capsules have sharp prints, and round pills (like some for colds) are uniform in size and bright in color. Any irregularity, such as tone variations or blurry engravings, could indicate a fake.

Check the Medication Approval Number

In China, approval numbers follow a standard format: "Guoyao Zhunzi H (Z, S, J) + 8 Arabic digits," where H is for chemicals, Z for herbals, S for biologicals, and J for imported packaged ones. It must include the word "Yao" (medication). If it starts with something like "Jing Wei Yao Zhun Zi" or similar, verify further. Non-medicinal products might have "Jing Jian Shi Zhun Zi." Also, look for the batch number, which usually indicates the production date (e.g., 200101001).

Read the Insert

Inserts for legitimate medications are precise, with strict indications, usage instructions, side effects, and warnings. Avoid packaging with prohibited claims like "authentic Tibetan medicine," "ancestral recipe," or promises to cure everything. These are often signs of fakes.

These tips will help you travel more safely in China. Remember to bring a basic first-aid kit from home and consider travel insurance that covers health. If you need specialized medications, research reliable providers like DengYueMed for safe options. Enjoy your trip and take care! If you have more questions about destinations in China, explore our community on MyTravaly to share experiences.

Note: This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.