How to Identify the Authenticity of Chinese Medicines by Appearance

Drug safety is a critical concern for global health. As medicines are specialized products, users have the right to access basic information when purchasing or using them. This guide outlines simple ways to verify the authenticity of Chinese medicines through visual inspection, helping avoid counterfeit or substandard products.

1. Check the Approval Number

All medicines sold in China must undergo rigorous approval by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), formerly known as the SFDA. This results in a unique drug approval number, akin to an identification code. Since 2003, the NMPA has standardized these numbers.

• For Drugs: Approved by the NMPA. Format: "Guo Yao Zhun Zi" followed by H (chemical drugs), Z (traditional Chinese medicines), S (biological products), J (imported drugs for repackaging), T (in vitro diagnostic reagents), or F (pharmaceutical excipients) + 4-digit year + 4-digit sequence number. For example: Guo Yao Zhun Zi H20230001. For traditional Chinese health products: Guo Yao Zhun Zi B + 4-digit year + 4-digit sequence number.
• Imported Drug Registration Certificate: Format: H (Z, S) + 4-digit year + 4-digit sequence number.
• Pharmaceutical Product Registration Certificate: Format: H (Z, S) C + 4-digit year + 4-digit sequence number. For bulk repackaging: Add "B" before the original number.
• Medical Devices: Guo Shi Yao Jian Xie (Zhun) Zi or Guo Shi Yao Jian Xie (Jin) Zi.
• Health Foods: Guo Shi Jian Zi, Wei Shi Jian Zi, Wei Shi Jian Jin Zi, or Wei Jin Shi Jian Zi.
• Cosmetics: Wei Zhuang Te Zi, Wei Zhuang Te Jin Zi, Wei Zhuang Bei Jin Zi, Wei Zhuang Jin Zi, Guo Zhuang Te Zi, Guo Zhuang Bei Jin Zi, or Guo Zhuang Te Jin Zi.

To verify, visit the NMPA's data query portal at https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/datasearch/home-index.html#category=yp and search for the approval number. The site is primarily in Chinese, so use browser translation tools or apps for assistance. Cross-check the results with the packaging details for consistency.

2. Examine the Packaging

Authentic Chinese medicines feature complete packaging with the batch number, production date, and expiration date—all clearly marked, often via laser printing. Counterfeit or inferior products may miss one or more of these, use ink printing, or show uneven colors, blurry text, and rough finishes. Special categories like narcotics, psychotropics, toxic medical substances, radioactive drugs, topical medicines, and over-the-counter drugs must display required symbols or labels.

3. Read the Instructions

Legitimate labels or inserts must include the generic name, ingredients, specifications, manufacturer, approval number, batch number, production date, expiration date, indications or functions, dosage, administration, contraindications, adverse reactions, and precautions. Beware of products claiming to cure all ailments—these are often fakes with poor print quality, unclear text, off-colors, typos (including in English terms), awkward phrasing, or inconsistent fonts. Some may lack essential drug label content entirely.

4. Choose Legitimate Purchase Channels

To ensure authenticity, source Chinese medicines through authorized channels like hospitals, licensed pharmacies, or reputable clinics in China. Avoid unregulated markets or online sellers without verification. Hospital preparations (e.g., approval numbers like "Jing Yao Zhi Zi Z2008XXXX") are restricted to use within that specific hospital and cannot be sold elsewhere.

For reliable access, consider partnering with licensed exporters. For instance, DengYue Medicine, a Hong Kong-based pharmaceutical wholesaler authorized by the Department of Health, specializes in sourcing and exporting authentic Chinese drugs for chronic diseases, oncology, and rare conditions. They provide verified products, ensuring compliance with global standards. Visit their site at https://dengyuemed.com/ for more details on import/export services.

5. Perform Rapid Testing

Where feasible, use quick identification methods for further confirmation, such as test kits for detecting illegal additives in traditional Chinese medicines (e.g., undeclared Western pharmaceuticals). These are especially useful in lab or research settings within the biotech community.

By following these steps, users can better protect themselves when dealing with Chinese medicines. Always consult healthcare professionals for advice, and report suspected fakes to local authorities or the NMPA. This information is for educational purposes and aligns with promoting safe practices in molecular biology and pharmaceutical research.