The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and the General Administration of Customs (GAC) have released a notification regarding the import and export management of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, effective as of January 1, 2023. This marks a significant update to the regulatory framework governing the trade of these controlled substances.
Regulatory Framework and License Management
According to the Drug Administration Law, the Regulations on the Administration of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Drugs, and other relevant laws and regulations, the government implements import and export license management for narcotic drugs and psychotropic drugs. The import and export of these substances shall be subject to the import license and export license issued by the NMPA. The import of narcotic drugs and psychotropic drugs does not require a customs declaration form for imported drugs.
Electronic and Paper Certificates
The NMPA simultaneously issues electronic import and export licenses and paper certificates, which have the same legal effect. Applicants can apply for the import and export licenses online through the NMPA’s online service hall or China’s international trade single window. Customs shall check and approve the electronic certificate of the license through online verification, with no paper endorsement required.
License Validity and Usage
The import license is valid for one year and can be used for more than one calendar year. The period of validity of the export license shall not exceed three months, and the period of validity shall not exceed a natural year. The import and export licenses shall be subject to the principle of “one license and one customs clearance,” meaning only the customs clearance formalities can be handled at the port indicated on the certificate, and can only be used once within the validity period.
Medical Staff and Carrying Certificates
Medical staff who need to bring a small number of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances into or out of China for medical purposes shall present the certificate of carrying narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances issued by the local provincial drug regulatory department. Customs shall release the goods upon presentation of the carrying certificate.-Fineline Info & Tech
