Guide to Sending Medicines from China to the UK

The key to sending medicines from China to the UK is ensuring the medicines are legal, the packaging is compliant, and choosing a reliable mailing channel. Dengyue Pharma provides this detailed guide:

I. Pre-shipment Preparation

• Confirming Medicine Legality: Only medicines legally circulated in China are permitted (such as Lianhua Qingwen capsules, antihypertensive drugs, cold medicines, etc.). Original packaging and instructions must be retained. Prescription drugs must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription or proof of purchase (English and Chinese versions are recommended). Medicines containing prohibited ingredients (such as narcotics, psychotropic drugs) or alcoholic preparations are prohibited.

• Understanding UK Regulations: Check UK medicine import policies (such as the MHRA website) to avoid traditional Chinese medicines containing endangered plant or animal ingredients (such as tiger bone, musk). Liquid medicines (such as insulin) require special packaging.

II. Packaging and Documentation

• Packaging Requirements: Medicines must retain their original packaging. Liquids must be double-sealed. Powders or medicinal slices are recommended to be vacuum-packed. The outer box should be marked "Fragile and Moisture-Proof." Take precautions to keep the medicine warm in winter.

• Document Preparation: Prescription drugs require a doctor's prescription (Chinese and English preferred). For traditional Chinese medicine, an English ingredient list is recommended.

III. Choosing a Shipping Channel

• International EMS Agent Service: Suitable for common medicines (traditional Chinese medicine, Western medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine preparations). Estimated delivery time to Europe and the United States is 6-8 business days. Economical cost and high customs clearance rate.

• Air Freight Door-to-Door Service (Customs Clearance and Tax Included): Suitable for the United States, Europe, and other countries. Includes customs clearance and door-to-door delivery. Estimated delivery time is approximately 8-12 days.
• Professional International Express Agent: Provides door-to-door service (customs clearance and tax included) for sensitive goods such as prescription drugs and liquid medicines. Delivery time is 7-12 days.

IV. Detailed Shipping Process

• Choose Shipping Method: Select a shipping channel based on the type of medicine, quantity, and time requirement.

• Send to Agent Warehouse: Send the medicine to the agent warehouse in Shenzhen via express courier such as SF Express or ZTO Express.

• Warehouse Processing: The agent conducts security checks, inspections, and reinforces the packaging.

• Pay Shipping Fees and Ship: After verifying the information, pay the fees, obtain an international tracking number, and track the logistics.

V. Key Precautions

• Quantity Limits: It is recommended that each shipment not exceed a 3-month supply to avoid being deemed for commercial use by customs.
• Prohibited Medications: Medications containing ephedrine (such as nasal sprays, cough syrup), morphine (such as some cough medicines), strychnine (such as medicated plasters), etc., are prohibited from being shipped.
• Delivery Time and Risks: Air freight generally delivers within 7-12 days with a high customs clearance rate. However, please note that 100% customs clearance is not guaranteed, and it is recommended to control the quantity shipped.

We hope this guide provided by Dengyue Pharma Co., Ltd. will help you successfully ship your medicines to the UK.