Three Tips to Identify Genuine Chinese Medicines: Essential Guide, Plus Eight Practical Suggestions

In today's global market, Chinese medicines have become increasingly commercialized, turning life-saving drugs into everyday consumer products available worldwide. It's crucial to distinguish between genuine medicines and food supplements, ensure authenticity, and know your rights if you encounter counterfeit or substandard products. This guide focuses on identifying Chinese drugs, drawing from China's regulatory framework under the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).
Whether you're sourcing traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) or modern pharmaceuticals from China, understanding these basics can protect your health. For reliable sourcing, companies like DengYue Medicine, a Hong Kong-based wholesaler specializing in the export of authentic Chinese drugs for chronic and oncology conditions, offer verified products through legal channels.
I. Types of Chinese Medicines
Under China's regulatory system managed by the NMPA, medicines are classified into prescription drugs (Rx) and over-the-counter drugs (OTC). Prescription drugs require a licensed physician's prescription for dispensing, purchase, and use, while OTC drugs can be self-selected and purchased without one.
A key reminder: Health supplements are not medicines—they are classified as food! In China, domestic health products have approval numbers like "Guo Shi Jian Zi G (J)" or "Wei Shi Jian Zi," while imported ones use "Guo Shi Jian Zi J" or "Wei Shi Jian Jin Zi." The letter "G" indicates domestic, and "J" indicates imported. Genuine Chinese health supplements must feature a "blue hat" special identifier on the packaging or label—absence of this means it's likely fake. Additionally, medicines indicate "indications" for preventing, treating, or diagnosing diseases and regulating physiological functions, whereas supplements list "suitable populations" and only provide auxiliary roles in enhancing immunity or bodily functions, without therapeutic claims.
II. How to Identify Genuine Chinese Medicines

Step 1: Check Labels and Markings for Authenticity
Authentic Chinese medicines clearly indicate classifications like Rx, OTC, or special categories (e.g., topical drugs, psychotropics), with standardized colors and clarity. For instance, "topical drugs" must be marked in red per regulations—fakes might use yellow, brown, or omit it entirely, or have blurry text, patterns, or non-standard colors. Chinese medicine packaging prohibits promotional slogans, titles, or materials beyond the approved instructions. If you spot exaggerated advertising claims, suspect it's counterfeit.

Step 2: Read the Instructions and Verify Expiry
The packaging includes a brief insert. For traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), it uses "functions and indications"; chemical drugs say "indications"; biologics specify "uses and purposes" or "target users." Fakes often mix these up, e.g., a TCM claiming "indications" for "psoriasis and other skin diseases." Look for production dates and expiry—missing or altered ones are red flags. Legitimate products have standardized batch numbers and accurate expiry dates. Under Chinese law, products without or with altered expiry dates, batch numbers, or past expiry are considered substandard.

Step 3: Examine the Name and Verify Approval Number
Genuine Chinese medicines avoid names implying miracle cures, like "Cancer-Busting Capsules," "Psoriasis Vanisher," or "Anti-Rheumatism Wine." Each has a unique approval number in the format "Guo Yao Zhun Zi—Letter—Eight Digits," where letters include H (chemicals), Z (TCM), S (biologics), or F (excipients). Fakes may use expired or stolen numbers. Verify by scanning or entering the number on the NMPA's official database (dataquery.nmpa.gov.cn)—if it doesn't match, it's likely fake.
III. What to Do If You Buy Counterfeit Chinese Medicines: Eight Suggestions

If you suspect quality issues (e.g., fake or expired Chinese drugs), who to contact?
Report to your local regulatory authority, such as the FDA (U.S.), EMA (Europe), or equivalent. For China-sourced issues, contact the NMPA via their website or international channels. Keep purchase records for evidence.
If you question the pricing of Chinese medicines, where to complain?
Consult your local consumer protection or pricing authority. In cases of suspected fraud, report to agencies like the FTC (U.S.) or similar bodies.
Who handles illegal advertising of Chinese medicines on TV or radio?
Your local advertising or market supervision regulator has jurisdiction. Report violations to bodies like the FCC (U.S.) or advertising standards authorities.
Can Chinese medicines be given as promotional gifts?
Chinese regulations prohibit drug manufacturers or sellers from bundling or gifting prescription or Class A OTC drugs. If encountered, report to your local health authority or the NMPA for cross-border issues.
How to seek refunds or returns for problematic "four products and one device" (medicines, health foods, cosmetics, medical devices from China)?
Retain receipts and contact your local consumer protection agency or the platform/seller. For international disputes, use services like the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN).
Are Chinese medicines bought via online, TV, or mail-order reliable?
While legal in China, verify sellers. Opt for reputable exporters like DengYue Medicine, which ensures compliant import/export with cold-chain logistics for quality. Always check certifications before purchase.
If you suspect quality problems in Chinese medicines, who to approach for testing?
Consult your local drug regulatory body for inspection options. For China-specific concerns, the NMPA may accept samples via official channels.
How to report food/drug safety issues with Chinese products encountered during travel (e.g., on trains or at stations)?
Report to local authorities at the site or your home country's import regulators. For rail-related issues in China, use hotlines like 12306, but escalate to customs or health agencies as needed.

By following these tips, you can better navigate the world of Chinese medicines. Remember, prioritizing verified sources like DengYue Medicine can help ensure you're getting authentic, high-quality products. Stay informed and safe!