Last updated on October 25, 2025
No, it is not allowed to sell traditional herbal remedies containing endangered plant species in China unless strict regulatory approvals are obtained. The use of such species is tightly controlled under national conservation and pharmaceutical laws to protect biodiversity and public health.
Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Law
In China, where herbal medicine has been revered for millennia, the line between tradition and regulation is drawn with precision. The country’s rich pharmacopoeia—rooted in Taoist philosophy and centuries of empirical practice—includes thousands of plant species, some of which are now endangered. But can these rare botanicals still find their way into your teacup or tincture bottle?
The short answer is no—unless you’ve got the paperwork to prove it.
The Legal Landscape
China’s regulatory framework for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is robust and evolving. The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) oversees the approval and protection of herbal products. According to the Regulations on the Protection of Traditional Chinese Medicine Varieties, any herbal remedy that includes endangered species must undergo a rigorous approval process. This includes scientific evaluation, safety testing, and documentation proving the source and sustainability of the ingredients.
If a company wishes to use a protected species, it must apply for a “Protected TCM Variety Certificate”, which is only granted after review by the national evaluation committee. Remedies containing endangered plants without this certification are considered illegal to produce or sell.
Conservation Meets Commerce
China is also a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which adds another layer of scrutiny. The use of endangered species like Panax ginseng (wild ginseng) or Saussurea involucrata (snow lotus) is not only a matter of national law but also international obligation.
In 2002, the Ministry of Health issued a directive explicitly restricting the use of certain wild plants in health products. This includes well-known endangered species such as snow lotus, ephedra, and desert cistanche, which are now either banned or severely limited in commercial applications. The directive also prohibits the use of wild animal parts like bear bile and musk, once common in traditional remedies.
Exceptions and Loopholes?
Not really. While cultivated versions of some endangered plants may be allowed, they must be clearly labeled and traceable. Even then, the product must meet the standards set by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and be registered with the NMPA. Unauthorized use can lead to fines, product recalls, and even criminal charges.
The government has also encouraged the development of synthetic or plant-based substitutes to reduce reliance on endangered species. This shift reflects a broader trend in TCM: balancing heritage with sustainability.
Cultural Reverence, Regulatory Reality
Traditional medicine is deeply woven into Chinese culture, but modern China is equally committed to environmental stewardship. The tension between preserving ancient healing practices and protecting biodiversity is resolved through regulation, not compromise.
So, while the allure of rare herbs may persist, their use is no longer a matter of folklore—it’s a matter of law.
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Sources
国家药监局政务服务门户中药保护同品种保护审批
https://zwfw.nmpa.gov.cn/web/taskview/11100000MB0341032Y100017211500002
2025-10-17
卫生部关于进一步规范保健食品原料管理的通知（卫法监发〔2002〕51号）
http://www.cfe-samr.org.cn/zcfg/bjsp134/qtbjsp/202208/t20220802_4458.html
2022-08-02