Government fees for an application to retail Chinese herbal medicines differ from those for Western medicine licences. Applications are handled by the Chinese Medicines Board under the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (CMCHK). Specifically, the application fee for a Chinese herbal medicine retailer licence is HK$770, and the issue fee upon successful approval is HK$1,160. By comparison, the application and issue fees for a Wholesale Dealer Licence are HK$1,030 and HK$2,150 respectively. Although government fees alone make Chinese medicine licences appear slightly less expensive, this does not mean the overall start-up costs are lower; other investments remain the main expenses.
HONG KONG DRUG LICENSING
I plan to apply for a retail Chinese herbal medicines trader licence. How do its government fees differ from those for a western medicine licence?
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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