Chinese customs always maintain 'high-pressure' stance against fentanyl-related substances: official

China's General Administration of Customs (GAC) said on Monday that it has adopted legal management and control and comprehensive measures to maintain a "high-pressure" stance in the investigation and seizure of fentanyl-related substances.

An official from the GAC made the remarks in responding to a question about China's regulations on customs declaration and export of fentanyl-related substances and the GAC's regulatory measures to prevent smuggling of fentanyl-related substances. 

The GAC official stated that under relevant regulations issued in 2013, fentanyl-related medications with drug properties, including alfentanil, fentanyl, remifentanil and sufentanil, are managed as narcotic drugs. The import and export of narcotic drugs and psychotropic drugs within the scope specified by the country shall be subject to the import and export licenses issued by the national drug supervision and administration department, the official said. 

Individuals traveling with fentanyl-related medications must present medical documentation. According to the GAC, travelers in need of such medications may bring amounts up to the maximum dosage outlined in a single prescription, subject to customs clearance based on personal use. Healthcare professionals may also carry a limited supply of these drugs for medical purposes, provided they hold certification from authorities at or above the provincial level.

Non-medicinal fentanyl-related substances remain banned across all stages of production and distribution. The GAC official clarified that exceptions are made only for research or testing. Using fentanyl-related substances in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing are strictly in line with relevant laws and regulations.

The GAC has taken a comprehensive approach to maintaining "high-pressure" stance in the investigation and seizure of fentanyl-related substances. Measures include enhanced risk analysis, the deployment of CT and X-ray systems, and continuous training to help officers detect concealed or misreported shipments of fentanyl-related substances, the GAC official said.