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HONG KONG DRUG LICENSING

If my pharmaceutical licence is about to expire, what is the renewal process?

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.

Drug Office, Department of Health Chinese Medicines Board

Q44 · Category A: Pharmacy licensing system and regulatory foundations (Q1-Q50)
Renewal of a pharmaceutical licence is an important procedure that must be completed on time to ensure the lawful continuity of your business. Usually, the Drug Office, Department of Health will mail the renewal application form to the registered address on its records about two to three months before your licence expires. You need to complete the form, update basic company information (such as any changes to directors or the Person-in-Charge), and return it by post or submit it in person to the Drug Office before the licence expires, together with a cheque for the specified renewal fee. The Department will review the application. For higher-risk licences, such as wholesaler or manufacturer licences, it may arrange a re-inspection before deciding on renewal. If all documents are complete, the fee has been paid and the company has a good compliance record, renewal will usually proceed smoothly. The new licence will be mailed to you.

📘 Regulatory basis

The validity period and renewal requirements for licences are expressly set out in the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations. Renewal fees are listed in Schedule 7 to the Regulations.

📗 Drew Tang's recommendations

Be sure to keep the correspondence address registered with the Department of Health up to date so that you do not miss a renewal notice. We recommend setting up an internal licence management calendar and starting renewal preparations at least three months in advance. Do not leave it until the last minute.

📕 Risk notice

Failure to submit a renewal application or pay the fees on time will cause the licence to expire automatically on its expiry date. Any regulated activity carried out after the licence expires constitutes the serious offence of unlicensed operation. Even a delay of only a few days may require a completely new application, making the process much more complicated.

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