China to tighten check on online sales of food, drugs

Checks on online sales of food and drugs will be tightened, China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) said Wednesday.

Online sellers should be licensed to sell food and drugs, according to a draft regulation on online sales of food and drugs unveiled by the CFDA to solicit public opinion.

Manufacturers are required to obtain permits to sell food, health food, cosmetics, and medical apparatus and instruments online while drug producers and wholesalers are forbidden to sell products to online consumers.

The CFDA will crack down on false advertising. Information about certain drugs is not allowed to be published online, including stupefacient, psychotropic substances and radiopharmaceuticals.

According to the draft regulation, trading platforms are asked to check qualifications of food and drug sellers.