Yes, if you are dissatisfied with a decision of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), such as refusing your licence application or deciding to suspend or revoke your existing licence, the law gives you a right of appeal. Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, you may appeal to an independent appeal tribunal. The tribunal is chaired by a judge and includes members from the legal and medical professions. You must submit a notice of appeal within the specified period, usually 28 days after receiving the PPB's written decision. The appeal tribunal will rehear the entire case. You may submit evidence, call witnesses and make submissions. The tribunal may uphold, overturn or vary the PPB's original decision. Its decision is final. This appeal mechanism ensures that the PPB's powers are subject to checks and balances and safeguards procedural fairness for applicants and licence holders.
HONG KONG DRUG LICENSING
Can I appeal if my pharmaceutical licence application is rejected by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB)?
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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