China launches first cross-border e-commerce imported drug retail platform in Henan

China's first national-level cross-border e-commerce pilot retailing of imported drugs was officially launched on Monday in the comprehensive bonded zone of Henan Province in central China.

The trading platform currently sells 13 kinds of non-prescription imported drugs online and in stores, and the drugs sold can be accessed through the product traceability QR code to check basic drug information, customs clearance information and logistics information.

Relying on the advantages of transportation hubs and ports, Henan Province has been committed to strengthening the development of cross-border e-commerce in recent years. Specifically, the cross-border e-commerce bonded stocking model pioneered in Henan Province shortens the delivery time for cross-border shopping to 2-3 days, and has been promoted and replicated nationwide.

According to the Department of Commerce of Henan Province, the province was approved by the State Council of China in May 2021 to carry out a three-year pilot business of cross-border e-commerce retail of imported drugs.

It is noted that the drug import method of cross-border e-commerce can further simplify the drug customs clearance process. At the same time, special tax policies imposed on drugs and direct purchases from manufacturers to retailers provide more reliable and convenient importation of medicines.