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HONG KONG DRUG LICENSING

What is PIC/S GMP? How does it relate to a pharmaceutical product manufacturer licence 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.

Drug Office, Department of Health Chinese Medicines Board

Q18 · Category A: Pharmaceutical Licensing System and Regulatory Framework (Q1-Q50)
PIC/S GMP refers to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) established by the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S). PIC/S is an international organisation of medicines regulatory authorities, intended to harmonise GMP standards and inspection procedures. The Department of Health in Hong Kong is a PIC/S member. This means that the standards used in Hong Kong to assess and issue a manufacturer's licence (GMP) are fully aligned with international PIC/S standards. Any company wishing to manufacture medicines in Hong Kong must ensure that its manufacturing facilities, quality management system, production processes and personnel qualifications fully meet the stringent PIC/S GMP requirements. By adopting the highest international standards, Hong Kong ensures that locally manufactured medicines can meet international quality standards and be recognised by other PIC/S members, such as EU countries, Australia and Canada, paving the way for exports.

📘 Regulatory basis

The Drug Office, Department of Health’s Guide to Good Manufacturing Practice for Pharmaceutical Products in Hong Kong provides specific guidance on local implementation of PIC/S GMP and is a key technical document for assessing applications for a Manufacturer of Pharmaceutical Products licence.

📗 Drew Tang's recommendations

Establishing a pharmaceutical factory that complies with PIC/S GMP is a major and complex undertaking involving factory design, equipment validation, process validation, staff training and more. We strongly recommend engaging a professional GMP consultancy team for guidance throughout the project from the outset, to help ensure the investment succeeds.

📕 Risk notice

GMP certification is not a one-off achievement. Licensed manufacturers must maintain an effective GMP system on an ongoing basis and undergo regular re-inspections by the Department of Health. Any major deviation in the manufacturing process or failure of the quality system may result in the GMP certificate being suspended or even revoked.

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