As a licensed wholesale dealer in Chinese herbal medicines, are we required to comply with Good Distribution Practice (GDP)?

Although the “Good Distribution Practice” (GDP) currently required by Hong Kong legislation primarily concerns the Code of Practice for Pharmaceutical Wholesalers for western medicine wholesalers, its core principles are equally important in protecting the quality of Chinese herbal medicines during storage and distribution, and are regarded by regulators as best practice. Chinese herbal medicines are also exposed to risks from changes in temperature and humidity, insect infestation, mould and cross-contamination. Accordingly, as a responsible Chinese herbal medicine wholesaler, you should voluntarily adopt and implement core GDP principles. These include establishing a quality management system; ensuring staff are appropriately qualified and trained; maintaining compliant storage facilities, such as adequate ventilation and protection against damp and pests; applying effective inventory management, such as first in, first out; keeping complete purchase and sales records for traceability; and establishing procedures for handling complaints and returns.