Hong Kong law provides exemptions for individuals possessing medicines for reasonable personal use and bringing personal-use medicines into Hong Kong from overseas. Under the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), travellers may bring a reasonable quantity of pharmaceutical products into Hong Kong for personal use. The legislation does not define “reasonable quantity”; Customs will generally assess it by reference to the nature and dosage of the medicine and the length of the traveller's stay. However, stricter requirements apply to medicines containing dangerous drugs controlled under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap. 134), such as certain strong painkillers and psychiatric medicines, or antibiotics. A traveller bringing these medicines into Hong Kong must have a doctor's prescription, and the quantity must not exceed a course of treatment. Note that this exemption applies only to medicines carried in “personal baggage”; it does not cover items sent by post or courier. Importing medicines into Hong Kong by post, even for personal use, will almost certainly require an import licence.
HONG KONG DRUG LICENSING
What does Hong Kong’s pharmaceutical licensing system provide for the “personal possession” of medicines? Can I bring medicines for personal use into Hong Kong from overseas?
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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