Can I bring controlled drugs to China?
- Official classification
- Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule)
Restricted
You can bring controlled drugs into China only within the stated limits.
What you need to know
- No stated quantity
- Channels: Carried with the traveler
Important
This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.
Official sources
- 麻醉药品和精神药品管理条例 State Council of the People’s Republic of China (published by the State Administration for Market Regulation)
Questions about Controlled drugs in China
- Do I have to declare controlled drugs at China customs?
- Yes — it has to be declared to China customs on arrival.
- What happens if I do not declare controlled drugs in China?
- Under 《进境物品关税、增值税、消费税征收办法》第十一条（税委会公告2024年第11号公布，自2024年12月1日施行）, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. If the goods are found without being declared, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 《中华人民共和国海关行政处罚实施条例》第十九条第二项、第四项（国务院令第420号）: an administrative fine is imposed.
- Can I post or ship controlled drugs to China instead of carrying it?
- Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
- Can I take controlled drugs out of China?
- China publishes no separate rule for taking controlled drugs out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the China limit for controlled drugs apply per person or per family?
- Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
- Where does this rule come from?
- General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) states it in 麻醉药品和精神药品管理条例. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “因治疗疾病需要，个人凭医疗机构出具的医疗诊断书、本人身份证明，可以携带单张处方最大用量以内的麻醉药品和第一类精神药品；携带麻醉药品和第一类精神药品出入境的，由海关根据自用、合理的原则放行。”
- How does China compare with other countries on controlled drugs?
- Of the 20 countries covered here, 11 prohibit controlled drugs, 9 limit it and 0 let it through. China is among the strictest.
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 麻醉药品和精神药品管理条例 · verified 2026-09-19
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — ข้อควรทราบสำหรับการนำของติดตัวเข้าทางอากาศยานสำหรับผู้โดยสาร · verified 2026-09-20
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — ข้อควรทราบสำหรับการนำของติดตัวเข้าทางอากาศยานสำหรับผู้โดยสาร · verified 2026-09-20
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 麻醉药品和精神药品管理条例 · verified 2026-09-19
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 麻醉药品和精神药品管理条例 · verified 2026-09-19