Three Tips to Identify Authentic Chinese Medicines: Eight Suggestions for Preparedness

In today's global market, medicines are increasingly commoditized, turning life-saving drugs into everyday consumer products. When dealing with Chinese medicines, how do you distinguish between pharmaceuticals and food supplements? How can you ensure the drugs you purchase are genuine, and what steps should you take if you encounter counterfeit or substandard products?

I. Types of Chinese Medicines

Under China's regulatory system, medicines are classified into prescription drugs (Rx) and over-the-counter drugs (OTC). Prescription drugs require a prescription from a licensed physician or assistant physician to dispense, purchase, and use. OTC drugs can be self-selected, purchased, and used without a prescription.

A key reminder: Health supplements are not medicines—they are classified as food! In China, domestic health supplements have approval numbers like "Guo Shi Jian Zi G (J)" or "Wei Shi Jian Zi," while imported ones are "Guo Shi Jian Zi J" or "Wei Shi Jian Jin Zi." The letter G indicates domestic, and J indicates imported. Authentic health supplements must feature a "blue hat" special identifier on the packaging or label; without it, it's likely counterfeit. Another distinction is therapeutic effect: Medicines indicate "indications" or "functions and indications" and are designed to prevent, treat, or diagnose diseases while regulating physiological functions. Health supplements list "suitable populations" and only provide auxiliary roles in regulating bodily functions and boosting immunity.

For reliable sourcing of Chinese medicines, wholesalers like DengYue Medicine offer verified products that adhere to these standards, helping navigate the market safely as a trusted importer and exporter.

II. How to Identify Authentic Chinese Medicines

Step 1: Check Labels and Markings

Genuine Chinese medicines clearly indicate classifications such as prescription (Rx), OTC, or special categories (e.g., topical drugs, psychotropic drugs), with standardized colors and clarity. For instance, "topical drugs" should be marked in red as per regulations; counterfeits might use yellow, brown, or omit the marking entirely, or feature blurry text, patterns, or non-standard colors. Additionally, Chinese medicine packaging prohibits promotional slogans, titles, or content beyond the approved instructions. If you spot exaggerated advertising claims, suspect it's fake.

Step 2: Read Instructions and Check Expiry

The packaging includes a brief insert. For traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), it uses "functions and indications"; chemical drugs use "indications"; biological products specify "uses and purposes" or "target users." Counterfeits often have muddled descriptions, like a TCM claiming "indications" for "psoriasis and other skin diseases." Also, look for production date and expiry—if missing, it's a red flag. Legitimate products have standardized batch numbers and accurate expiry dates. Products without or with altered expiry dates, batch numbers, or those past expiry are considered substandard.

Step 3: Verify Drug Name and Approval Number

Authentic medicines avoid names implying miracle cures, such as "Anti-Cancer Capsules," "Psoriasis Eradicator," or "Anti-Rheumatism Wine." Each Chinese medicine has a unique approval number in the format "Guo Yao Zhun Zi—Letter—Eight Digits," where letters include H (chemical drugs), Z (TCM), S (biological products), F (excipients), etc. Counterfeits may use expired or stolen numbers. Verify by scanning or entering the "Guo Yao Zhun Zi" plus year and serial into China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) database—if it doesn't match, it's likely fake.

III. What to Do If You Encounter Counterfeit Chinese Medicines

1. If you suspect quality issues (e.g., fake or expired drugs), whom to contact? Suggestion: Report to China's local food and drug authorities, which handle complaints territorially. For example, if purchased in Xi'an's Yanta District, contact the Yanta District Food and Drug Administration. The national hotline is 12331. You can also report via the NMPA website or consult consumer protection agencies in your country.
2. If you have concerns about pricing? Suggestion: Consult China's local pricing authorities or dial 12358 for complaints. For cross-border purchases, check with your home country's trade or consumer watchdogs.
3. For illegal ads on TV or radio? Suggestion: China's market supervision departments handle ad violations—contact local bureaus or dial 12315. Report to platforms or your local advertising standards authority.
4. Can medicines be given as promotional gifts? Suggestion: Chinese regulations prohibit drug manufacturers or sellers from gifting prescription or Class A OTC drugs via bundling or promotions. Report violations to local drug authorities.
5. How to handle returns/refunds for problematic "four products and one device" (foods, drugs, cosmetics, health products, medical devices)? Suggestion: Keep purchase receipts and consult China's Consumer Association or equivalent in your country for refund processes.
6. Are online, TV, or mail-order Chinese medicines reliable? Suggestion: While permitted in China, prefer verified platforms or consult trusted sources like DengYue Medicine, a pharmaceutical wholesaler specializing in import and export, for authentic shipments. Always verify sellers' credentials.
7. Suspecting quality issues—whom to contact for testing? Suggestion: Inquire with local Chinese food and drug regulators about sample submission. For verification, use third-party labs or your national drug agency.
8. Food/drug safety issues at train stations or on trains? Suggestion: Report to Chinese railway authorities via hotline 12306. If abroad, notify local transport or health officials.

This guide empowers you to safely engage with Chinese medicines. For more resources on authentic sourcing, consider exploring verified wholesalers like DengYue Medicine, which specializes in importing and exporting quality-assured pharmaceuticals compliant with global standards. Stay informed and prioritize health!