How does the application process differ if my company plans to deal in both medicines and medical devices?

This is an excellent question and demonstrates forward-thinking about business expansion. In Hong Kong, medicines and medical devices are governed by two separate regulatory systems. Medicines are regulated by the Drug Office, Department of Health and the PPB, and you need to apply for the various pharmaceutical licences discussed above. Medical devices are regulated by the Medical Device Division (MDD) under the Department of Health. Hong Kong currently regulates medical devices through a voluntary listing system known as the Medical Device Administrative Control System (MDACS). Although listing is voluntary, most importers and distributors apply to list their medical devices to demonstrate product safety and efficacy and to supply public organisations such as the Hospital Authority. You therefore need to submit a separate application to the MDD to demonstrate that your company meets the requirements of the Code of Practice for Importers and Distributors under the Medical Device Administrative Control System, including establishing a Quality Management System (such as ISO 13485). The two application processes run in parallel and do not affect each other, but you must satisfy two different sets of regulations and standards.