Can I Bring Tussionex to China? 2026 Customs Rules & Legality
Direct Answer: CONDITIONAL / RESTRICTED. Tussionex (Codeine Phosphate / Dihydrocodeine) is tightly controlled. You must carry no more than 7 days supply, carry original doctor prescriptions, and declare at the Customs Red Channel.
Red Channel Declaration Required
7 Days Legal Limit
Standard CAAC Cabin Regulations
Routine chronic medications are inexpensive and readily stocked across accredited Chinese Tier-3 hospitals.
Works 100% offline: Show to a Chinese pharmacist, or copy the Chinese characters into Alipay/WeChat Meituan for 25-min hotel delivery
CHINESE MEDICINE NAME · 中文通用名与药店名
可待因
Pinyin: Kě dài yīn
Tussionex / Cheratussin AC / Robitussin AC
Codeine Phosphate / Dihydrocodeine
您好，我需要含可待因的止咳药。请问在中国这类药物是否可以购买？需要哪些文件？
I need Codeine-containing cough syrup (可待因, Kě dài yīn). Note: Codeine is a controlled narcotic in China — a hospital prescription is mandatory.
Traveling with more than one medication?
Add Tussionex to your Travel Bag to audit combined ingredient limits (Pseudoephedrine / Acetaminophen) and CAAC airline rules.
Trip Allowance Simulator (Tussionex)
Test your planned stay duration against China Customs statutory limits in real-time.
Your planned 7-day supply (7 tablets) is fully within the statutory 7-day allowance limit for Tussionex.
What is Tussionex Called in Chinese? (Chinese Name, Pinyin & Hospital Guide)
Tussionex (Codeine Phosphate / Dihydrocodeine) is officially known in Chinese as "可待因 / 二氢可待因 (含可待因复方止咳药 / 大正百保能)" (Pinyin pronunciation: Kě dài yīn). International brand names covered under this rule include: Tussionex, Cheratussin AC, Robitussin AC, Tylenol with Codeine, Pabron Gold A (大正百保能), Bron (エスエスブロン). If you are in China and need to communicate with a hospital doctor, triage nurse, or retail pharmacist (or search on the Meituan Pharmacy delivery mini-program inside Alipay/WeChat), use the full-screen Chinese show card above.
3-Way Checkpoint Guide: Customs (GACC) vs Flight Security (CAAC) vs High-Speed Rail
Red Channel declaration is compulsory with formal doctor prescription. Unprescribed codeine cough syrups or bulk boxes of Japanese Pabron Gold A (containing Dihydrocodeine) are treated as restricted narcotic imports.
Liquids exceeding 100ml prohibited at airport security. Codeine syrup subject to police confiscation.
China High-Speed Rail (CRH/G-Trains) security scanners focus on knives, aerosols (>150ml), and power banks (>100Wh). Personal prescription pill bottles, EpiPens, and insulin cooling pouches pass through railway security without restriction.
Travelers frequently confuse China's three security agencies: 1) GACC Airport Customs checks drug ingredient legality upon international arrival; 2) CAAC Domestic Flight Security strictly enforces rules on gel ice packs (>100ml) and hypodermic needles (requiring a hospital letter); 3) China High-Speed Train Security does NOT scrutinize personal pill boxes or medical ice packs.
In-China Local Refill Protocol & Approved Alternatives
Non-codeine antitussives (such as Dextromethorphan or herbal cough syrups like Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa) are widely available in China.
Before-Packing Traveler Checklist (Packaging & Documents)
- Keep medication in original dispensing pharmacy packaging with clear prescription label.
- Carry original physical doctor prescription certificate matching the traveler's passport name 100%.
- Never combine loose tablets in unmarked plastic pill organizers or zip-lock bags.
Statutory Legal Basis & Consular Advisories
Frequently Asked Questions About Tussionex in China
What is Tussionex called in Chinese and can I buy it in China?
Tussionex (Codeine Phosphate / Dihydrocodeine) is officially known in Chinese as 可待因 / 二氢可待因 (含可待因复方止咳药 / 大正百保能) (Pinyin: Kě dài yīn). Non-codeine antitussives (such as Dextromethorphan or herbal cough syrups like Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa) are widely available in China.
Does China's rule on Tussionex apply during a 24h/240h airport layover (PVG/PEK/CAN)?
Travelers frequently confuse China's three security agencies: 1) GACC Airport Customs checks drug ingredient legality upon international arrival; 2) CAAC Domestic Flight Security strictly enforces rules on gel ice packs (>100ml) and hypodermic needles (requiring a hospital letter); 3) China High-Speed Train Security does NOT scrutinize personal pill boxes or medical ice packs.
Can I bring over-the-counter cough medicine containing codeine into China?
No. Even if codeine cough syrup is sold over-the-counter overseas, in China it is classified under Narcotic Drug controls. You must have a formal prescription, limit quantity to under 7 days, and declare at Red Channel.
Related Medications & Customs Precedents
China Customs regulates pharmaceuticals by chemical classification and therapeutic scheduling. Compare legal limits, customs channels, and Chinese pharmacy equivalents for related traveler medications:
Tussionex • Need China Medical Travel Coverage?
Ensure your international policy covers Tier-3 hospital visits, psychiatric consultations, and prescription refills across mainland China.