(Yicai Global) Nov. 16 -- China has banned online drug sellers to sell prescription drugs on the internet. China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) issued a special notification stipulating online sales of such drugs, taking into account strict requirements of prescription drugs. It is aimed at standardizing the practice, it said.

Prescription drugs usually have certain toxicity and other potential effects and both the methods and time for taking the medication have special requirements. Therefore, patients must take the drugs under doctors' guidance.

The CFDA sought public opinion for the new rules. Those who illegally market or sell prescription drugs to individual consumers shall be subject to fines ranging from CNY5,000 (USD750) to CNY20,000.

Under the new rules, enterprises, institutions and individuals who do not meet the pharmaceutical business qualification shall not be engaged in selling drugs online and the online drug trading service platforms should protect the privacy of consumers.