The fees for applying for “proprietary Chinese medicine registration” (Proprietary Chinese Medicine Registration, pCm) are entirely different from the costs of applying for an operating licence. A licence (such as a wholesale or retail licence) authorises business activities at premises, whereas proprietary Chinese medicine registration is a market authorisation for an individual product. The statutory fee for an application for one proprietary Chinese medicine registration is HKD 9,290. This is only the government fee; the actual cost is much higher. A range of tests and studies must be conducted on the product to demonstrate its safety, quality and efficacy, including, but not limited to, tests for heavy metals and toxic elements, pesticide residues, microbial limits and stability. These tests may cost tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong dollars.
HONG KONG DRUG LICENSING
Approximately how much does it cost to apply for proprietary Chinese medicine registration (pCm)? How does this differ from applying for a 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.
Back to Category F: Fees, Budget and Financial Planning (Q251-Q300) Search more questions