A data packet processing method and apparatus is disclosed. According to the method, a storage apparatus disposed on a network side stores a correspondence between an identifier and data flow characteristic information. When configuring a policy for a data packet including a first identifier, a network-side device requests the storage apparatus for data flow characteristic information corresponding to the first identifier. A PCEF receives a data packet that is sent by UE, matches the data packet against the data flow characteristic information, and when the data packet matches the data flow characteristic information, executes a policy on the data packet according to policy information corresponding to the first identifier. According to the method provided in embodiments of the present disclosure, transmitting a considerable amount of data flow characteristic information on an interface of an SCEF is avoided, and load on the SCEF is relieved.