Advertising of medicines in Hong Kong is strictly regulated, primarily under the Undesirable Medical Advertisements Ordinance (Cap. 231). The Ordinance aims to prevent anyone from publishing advertisements that may cause members of the public to delay seeking proper medical attention because of inappropriate self-diagnosis. Schedule 1 to the Ordinance lists various diseases and physical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes and sexually transmitted diseases, for which advertisements claiming that medicines can treat or prevent them may not be published to the public. The law also completely prohibits direct advertising of prescription medicines to the public. Only OTC medicines may be advertised to the public, subject to certain restrictions, and their claims must be truthful and accurate, and not misleading or exaggerated. All pharmaceutical advertisements are monitored by the Department of Health. Any non-compliant advertisement may be required to be removed immediately, and its publisher may be prosecuted.
HONG KONG DRUG LICENSING
How are advertisements for medicines regulated in Hong Kong?
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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