Can I Bring Glucophage to China? 2026 Customs Rules & Legality
Direct Answer: YES. Glucophage (Metformin Hydrochloride) is permitted for personal traveler maintenance (typically up to 90 days). Keep in original packaging and walk through the Green Channel.
Green Channel (No Declaration Needed)
90 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
二甲双胍（格华止）
Pinyin: Èr jiǎ shuāng guā (Gé huà zhǐ)
Glucophage / Fortamet / Glumetza
Metformin Hydrochloride
您好，请问有二甲双胍（格华止）吗？用于2型糖尿病日常血糖控制。
Metformin (二甲双胍 / 格华止) is widely available across Chinese community pharmacies and public hospitals as a standard maintenance drug.
Traveling with more than one medication?
Add Glucophage to your Travel Bag to audit combined ingredient limits (Pseudoephedrine / Acetaminophen) and CAAC airline rules.
Trip Allowance Simulator (Glucophage)
Test your planned stay duration against China Customs statutory limits in real-time.
Your planned 90-day supply (90 tablets) is fully within the statutory 90-day allowance limit for Glucophage.
What is Glucophage Called in Chinese? (Chinese Name, Pinyin & Hospital Guide)
Glucophage (Metformin Hydrochloride) is officially known in Chinese as "二甲双胍" (Pinyin pronunciation: Èr jiǎ shuāng guā (Gé huà zhǐ)). International brand names covered under this rule include: Glucophage, Fortamet, Glumetza. 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
Green Channel permitted for personal quantities (typically up to 1 to 3 months supply). Maintain original packaging and carry prescription.
Tablets allowed in carry-on and checked luggage.
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
Universally available at every hospital pharmacy and community clinic in China at low cost (二甲双胍片).
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 Glucophage in China
What is Glucophage called in Chinese and can I buy it in China?
Glucophage (Metformin Hydrochloride) is officially known in Chinese as 二甲双胍 (Pinyin: Èr jiǎ shuāng guā (Gé huà zhǐ)). Universally available at every hospital pharmacy and community clinic in China at low cost (二甲双胍片).
Does China's rule on Glucophage 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 a 3-month supply of Metformin into China?
Yes. Chronic maintenance medications like Metformin are permitted up to a 90-day reasonable personal supply. Carry a copy of your doctor's prescription and keep the medicine in original manufacturer packaging.
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:
Glucophage • Need China Medical Travel Coverage?
Ensure your international policy covers Tier-3 hospital visits, psychiatric consultations, and prescription refills across mainland China.