ObjectiveTo evaluate the developing methodologies of Essential Medicines Lists for Children (EMLcs) in global, in order to provide reference in developing EMLc of China. MethodsWe searched ProQuest, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink and MEDLINE databases, World Health Organization (WHO) official website, and 67 websites of National Ministry of Health and Drug Administration Section, to collect literature about selection methodology of children and/or adult essential medicines list (EML). A descriptive analysis was conducted. ResultsA total of fourteen literatures were included. Of which, 6 were about the essential medicines selection methodology in children, and the other 8 were about the essential medicines selection methodology in adult. The WHO had established independent EMLc selection committee. Paediatricians were involved in the selection of EMLc in the WHO and India. There was no selection criteria and process for EMLc globally. The WHO, India, and South Africa selected their EMLcs referring to the WHO EML selection criteria. The WHO and South Africa had their own updating time, period and process for EMLc. The WHO EMLc was updated per 2 years, which in high frequency and conducts in rigorous process. However, the EMLc of India had not been updated yet. ConclusionIt is suggested that China could build a national EMLc selection committee involving paediatricians and evidence-based medicine experts etc. in referring to the framework of the WHO Child Health Working Group. The EMLc selection criteria and process of China could be established referring to the one of the WHO, based on the disease burden, drug accessibility and medical insurance of children of China. The EMLc of China should be simultaneously updated with the adult EML of China.