The requirements for personnel working for a Chinese herbal medicine retailer differ from those for a Western medicine pharmacy. There is no mandatory requirement to have a registered Chinese medicine practitioner on the premises. However, the law requires one person to be responsible for supervising the business at a Chinese herbal medicine retail shop. This supervisor must have specific knowledge and experience in Chinese herbal medicines. Under the requirements of the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong, the person must meet one of the following conditions: 1) be a registered or listed Chinese medicine practitioner; 2) have successfully completed a training course in retail of Chinese herbal medicines recognised by the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong; or 3) have engaged continuously in the retail of Chinese herbal medicines for at least 10 years before the Chinese Medicine Ordinance came into effect. This means that a person who is not a Chinese medicine practitioner may still qualify as a supervisor by completing a recognised training course and obtaining a certificate.
HONG KONG DRUG LICENSING
What specific requirements apply to personnel at a Chinese herbal medicine retail shop? Must they hold Chinese medicine practitioner qualifications?
A complete explanation of the regulatory basis, Drew Tang’s recommendations and risk alerts. The original material dates from 2025; read it alongside the latest official requirements.
Original guide, 2025 edition: These FAQs are provided for topic-based reference and have not all been individually checked against current rules. Please confirm fees, personnel, renewal, changes and product requirements against the professional in-depth guide for the relevant licence type and the official requirements in force at the time.
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