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HONG KONG DRUG LICENSING

What are the main steps in the Hong Kong medicine registration application 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

Q461 · Category J: Cross-border pharmaceuticals and industry practice (Q451-Q500)
The medicine registration process in Hong Kong mainly comprises the following steps: first, prepare a complete application, including the medicine package insert and quality and safety information; next, submit the registration application to the Drug Office, Department of Health, and pay the relevant fees; the Drug Office will then review the information and may conduct an on-site inspection; finally, if the requirements of the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap.138) are met, a pharmaceutical product registration number (such as HK-XXXXX) will be issued, allowing the medicine to be sold in Hong Kong. The process usually takes several months. Applicants should ensure that the information is accurate and complete to avoid delays.

📘 Regulatory basis

Section 23 of the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap.138), Department of Health Drug Office registration guidance

📗 Drew Tang's recommendations

We recommend that applicants prepare documents early, particularly safety and quality data, to avoid approval delays caused by incomplete submissions. Rengangyongsheng (Hong Kong) Limited can assist with compiling an efficient submission.

📕 Risk notice

False or missing information may result in the application being refused and may even incur liability under section 36 of Cap.138 for providing false information.

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