No More Mooncakes: New Pharma Code Bans All Rx Company Gifts

It’s a whole new world for drugmakers operating abroad.

Starting Jan. 1, companies can no longer give gifts or cash payments to business associates—traditions that are accepted and sometimes expected—in China and other parts of the world. The change is causing concern among both U.S.-based and multinational companies like Astra Zeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson Inc., and Pfizer Inc. about how to balance appropriate business behavior with respect for cultural norms in other countries.

Companies will no longer be able to gift “mooncake” pastries to business associates, a common exchange in China, and cash payments to mark significant religious ...