robertw477

I will be traveling shortly to Mainland China. My travel partner has some prescription medications that may be banned from China and possibly Hong Kong. He has a valid current prescription and a current letter from a doctor to certify that he is currently under care taking these prescriptions which are legal in the US. This becomes a complicated situation because he has never been to Hong Kong or mainland China and there seems to be a lack of proper and clear information online. I attempted to call the Chinese embassy however they do not answer their phones and I have verified this to be the case. I do not want him to travel all that distance and have a major problem with authorities. I want to make sure to avoid any problems or issues that might arise. Any clear help is appreciated

valolla

Been going through Hong Kong to mainland China last 9 years and almost 30 trips so far.
I carry my medicine; 5 tablets each day for my 2-3 weeks trips. All these prescription medicine.

Never ever had any issues or been asked about these.

889

We don't know the medicines involved, and even if we did, we probably wouldn't know the technical customs rules.

All we can do is make the observation that customs in both China and Hong Kong is not anything like entering the U.S. Generally, you just walk through the green lane, with perhaps an x-ray of your luggage.

beep88

Obviously there is enforcement. Just saying it's not likely to happen doesn't mean someone won't be stopped/asked, and doesn't have to be prepared for it.

FWIW I was stopped at Hung Hom one time coming in on the through train and was asked what I was carrying, that it needed to go through X-ray, and that happened to be the one and only time I carried something for someone (relative travelling with me) and I didn't really know what it was!

anacapamalibu

Other than weed..I can't think of any other "medication" that would get you busted.

889

Hmmm. If it's something not permitted in China or HK because there's a potential for abuse, then that's another issue.

anacapamalibu

There are 118 anesthetic substances and 119 psychotropic substances under government control, and the unauthorized possession or use of any of them is a criminal offense

A few of US commonly "prescribed medications", illegal to possess in China.

Buprenorphine detox for heroin addicts
Diazepam Valium
Dihydroetophine thebaine
Pethidine Demerol
Triazolam Halcion

jiejie

I assume it is a controlled substance for medical not recreational use. If the travel partner absolutely cannot use a non-controlled substitute during the travel period, then I'd suggest minimizing the number of pills or whatever to the bare minimum needed to get through travel and back home, in the original prescription container, with a doctor's note kept handy in the carry-on luggage. Never in quantities that would imply resale. Don't declare or anything else. It is highly unlikely that he will be stopped and searched, but in the event it is questioned, remaining polite and explaining and showing doctor note (even in English) will probably get him through. It is even more unlikely that there would be any consequences other than confiscation. Plenty of foreigners travel through Chinese airports and China with personal medication obtained abroad, that is either not legal or strictly controlled inside China. Usually it's a don't ask, don't tell situation.

Chinatrvl

I wouldn't dare bringing controlled/prohibited substances like opiates or tranquilizer mentioned above to China or HK (or any country).
Even if there's a high chance that you won't get caught and a decent chance you can talk your way out at PR China customs, the potential consequences could be severe and little fun.

HK authorities will give you an answer when you contact them.
I doubt you'll get anything binding from PR China, though.

DaileyB

Since the topic of medicines has come up here, I always wonder about my 15-year-old son's asthma inhaler. (I should mention that my son has had zero symptoms over the last 3 years, but of course,when I visit China I bring it in the event of an emergency, which has never occurred.) I have done internet searches and have not come up with a clear answer.

I bring the doctor's prescription with me and, so far, have had zero problems, but since it is so important, I would like to know what type of category the inhaler falls into so that if something weird happens, I will know how to deal with it.

jiejie

Why would you worry about something like this? An asthma inhaler isn't a controlled substance (= narcotic) nor psychotropic drug. China doesn't care about travelers with inhalers, but it still wouldn't hurt to carry the prescription and/or doc note, mostly in case you need to source a replacement while traveling.

anacapamalibu

Most likely contains anabolic steroids. I don't think its on the banned list.
Maybe the country with the most production list.

tentseller

DW who is RX specialist confirm inhalers are not controlled substance in PRC.

robertw477

Thanks for all the info. It is a complicated issue. The medicines are not weed or anything crazy like that. However one of them is Lyrica. The thought of the medicine being taken will cause a huge problem. Personally If it was me I would take the letter and frankly expect no issues. But he doesnt want to go 22 hours and have a run in with officials in any way. I tried calling Chinese Embassy with no luck as they dont pick up the phone.

anacapamalibu

Looks like China is in mass production on this now that
Phizer lost their patent appeal.

"In 2010 Lyrica was approved to China. According to CRI's market investigation, the sales revenue of Lyrica in Chinese sample hospital market grew over 100 times from 2010 to 2013. Due to Lyrica's success, many pharmaceutical manufacturers in China begin to apply for pregabalin production."