These Guidelines, issued by China’s NMPA, establish a strengthened compliance framework for the online retail sale of prescription medicines. Effective 22 May 2026, they impose enhanced obligations on online pharmacies and digital platforms regarding prescription verification, pharmacist review, medicine traceability, consumer protection, and quality management.
The Guidelines require that prescription reviews be conducted exclusively by licensed pharmacists and expressly prohibit the use of artificial intelligence for this function. They also reinforce requirements relating to prescription authenticity, the accuracy of online drug information, and the integrity of digital sales practices. Overall, the framework reflects a move toward more rigorous regulatory oversight and higher compliance standards across China’s online pharmaceutical sector.