BEIJING, September 21, 2026 — The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and the General Administration of Customs (GACC) have issued Announcement No. 91 of 2026, announcing the launch of a pilot program for electronic clearance of imported drugs (including medicinal materials) at Beijing Port, effective immediately.
The initiative is designed to further advance digital government services and improve the efficiency and convenience of imported drug clearance. Under the pilot, electronic clearance documents for imported drugs and medicinal materials will have the same legal effect as paper documents.
During the pilot period, existing paper documents will remain valid, and enterprises may continue to use them in accordance with relevant regulations. The arrangement gives importers flexibility to operate with either electronic or paper documentation while the new digital process is being tested.
The move marks another step in China’s efforts to streamline cross-border pharmaceutical regulation, reduce administrative burden for importers, and support a more modern, paper-light customs and drug-supervision system at major entry ports.
Key point: From the announcement date, Beijing Port becomes the first showcased pilot site where imported drug clearance goes digital — without disrupting current paper-based operations.
