How should we respond if a law enforcement agency, such as Hong Kong Customs or the police, asks to inspect our medicine distribution records?

You must cooperate with lawful requests from law enforcement agencies, while also following procedures to protect the legitimate interests of the company and its customers. The appropriate steps are: 1. Verify identity and authority: Politely ask the officers to show their identification and search warrant or other relevant legal authorisation. You are entitled to verify that they have lawful authority. 2. Contact management and legal counsel: Immediately notify senior management and/or legal counsel so they are aware of the situation and can provide guidance. 3. Clarify the scope and accompany the officers: Establish clearly which records they wish to inspect (for example, for a specific medicine, period or customer). Assign a senior employee to accompany them throughout the inspection, without obstructing their work. 4. Provide copies, not originals: Where possible, provide copies rather than originals. If the officers insist on taking originals, require a detailed receipt listing all documents taken. 5. Record the process: Keep a detailed record of the incident, including the officers’ names and departments, their arrival and departure times, and a list of all documents inspected or taken.