Revision targets lax drugmakers, sellers

People involved in the production and sale of drugs will pay higher costs and face harsher penalties for malfeasance, under a draft amendment to the Drug Administration Law that was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislative body, for review on Saturday.

Violations such as producing or selling drugs without a permit and producing or selling fake or substandard drugs will result in heavier fines, it said.

Producers of fake or substandard drugs and sellers who knowingly sell such drugs will be subject to punitive compensation on behalf of victims if serious health consequences or death result.