Taking Chinese herbal medicine abroad safely

The old RMB 150 and RMB 300 outbound limits were repealed in 2022. China now applies a personal-use and reasonable-quantity test to ordinary items that are not prohibited or restricted. There is no national rule that automatically allows 30, 60 or 90 days of medicine.

Check the ingredients before the price

Some ingredients named by Customs cannot travel as ordinary personal articles. Wildlife and plant material covered by CITES or national protection rules may require a certificate; that is not the same as saying every protected ingredient is always permitted or always prohibited. Brand name alone is not enough—ask for the full ingredient list and identify animal and plant sources.

Pack an evidence trail

• Keep the medicine in original labelled packaging.
• Carry the prescription, diagnosis or treatment note, purchase receipt and a translation.
• List ingredients in English and, where relevant, the scientific Latin name.
• Do not assume “artificial” musk or bezoar will be obvious to a border officer; get documentation from the manufacturer.
• Ask Customs about any certificate before travel, not at the airport.

China’s exit rule is only half the journey

The destination country may treat herbs, animal products, powders, liquids and prescription medicines differently. Check its customs, medicine and biosecurity authorities. A product allowed to leave China can still be refused on arrival.

If the composition is unclear, the quantity exceeds the documented course, or a protected species may be present, do not pack it until both sides have answered in writing.

Official sources

• GACC Order No. 257
• Customs service guide
• Wildlife import-export certificate rules

Written by Paperwork First. General information, not legal, medical, customs, insurance or aviation advice. Confirm the current rule with the hospital, authority, insurer or operating airline before acting.

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