Drug regulators crack down on counterfeit, substandard drugs in 2020

In 2020, drug regulators at all levels in China conscientiously implemented the "four strictest" requirements on drug safety, launched supervision and inspection of pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors, and severely cracked down on illegal manufacturing and sale of counterfeit and substandard drugs.

Throughout the year the regulators investigated and dealt with 7,361 cases of manufacturing and selling counterfeit and substandard drugs nationwide, with the value of the products totaling around 523.17 million yuan ($82.09 million) and related fines totaling about 1.30 billion yuan. The regulators also revoked 38 licenses and 168 cases were referred to judicial authorities. The cases involve various drugs such as active pharmaceutical ingredients and chemical medicines.