Hong Kong Drug Licence Applications and Acquisitions · RGYS|Global Licensing and Compliance Service Provider
Hong Kong pharmaceutical compliance · applications / acquisitions / ongoing maintenance Independent Third-Party Service Provider
HONG KONG DRUG LICENSING

What pest and rodent control measures must a warehouse implement to protect medicines from infestation?

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.

Drug Office, Department of Health Chinese Medicines Board

Q156 · Category D: Premises and Storage Requirements (Q151-Q200)
Pest control in a medicine warehouse is an ongoing, systematic activity aimed at prevention, not just extermination. First, the building structure of the premises must be intact, with no holes or gaps through which pests can enter. Doors and windows should close tightly, and drainage outlets should have mesh covers to prevent rodents from entering. Second, the environment must be kept clean and hygienic. There must be no standing water, rubbish or food debris in or around the warehouse, to eliminate sources that attract pests. Third, an integrated pest management plan should be established, usually in partnership with a professional pest control service provider. The plan should include regular inspections, installation and maintenance of pest control devices (such as glue boards, traps and fly killers), and detailed records of all activity. Any insecticides or rodenticides used must be approved products that pose no contamination risk to medicines, and must not be sprayed directly in medicine storage areas.

📘 Regulatory basis

Good Distribution Practice (GDP) requires premises to be kept clean and measures to be taken to prevent the entry and breeding of insects, rodents and other pests. A written pest control procedure must be in place and relevant records kept.

📗 Drew Tang's recommendations

We recommend that clients enter into an annual service contract with a reputable specialist pest control company. As well as carrying out regular inspections and treatments, it will provide a detailed pest control file, including service reports, a floor plan (showing the locations of all monitoring points), and safety data sheets (MSDS) for the chemicals used. This file is one of the documents that the Department of Health will check during an inspection and can clearly demonstrate your attention to pest control and professional management standards.

📕 Risk notice

Finding live pests or rodents, droppings or gnaw marks in a warehouse is a very serious deficiency. It directly demonstrates that pest control measures are ineffective and that medicines face a direct risk of contamination. In addition, indiscriminate use of highly toxic or odorous pesticides may chemically contaminate medicines and is equally unacceptable. Failure to have a contract with a professional company and retain complete records will be regarded as management negligence.

Back to Category D: Premises and Storage Requirements (Q151-Q200) Search more questions

YOUR NEXT STEP

Plan Your Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Licensing Project with Drew Tang

Business Manager Tang Shangyong (Drew Tang) will review your products, operating model, licence type and preparation requirements with you one-to-one. The precise service scope is confirmed in writing; pharmaceutical duties are carried out by legally qualified personnel, and approvals are determined by the competent authorities.

Book a Project Assessment ↗