451428Export trading of drugs and pharmaceuticals (excl. Chinese drugs and herbs)
藥物出口貿易(中成藥及中草藥除外)
Why 6 digits?
HSIC subclasses are 6 digits. The first four match the international ISIC class; Hong Kong adds a two-digit local suffix for finer detail, especially across its import and export trade, so a code steps from a 4-digit class straight to a 6-digit subclass. More on the HSIC structure.
This activity involves the export trading of various drugs and pharmaceuticals, excluding those derived from Chinese sources. It encompasses a range of products including contraceptives, agricultural drugs, animal husbandry drugs, insecticides, and vitamins.
This classification includes
- contraceptives, export trading
- drugs (non-Chinese type), export trading
- drugs and pharmaceuticals, export trading
- drugs for agricultural use, export trading
- drugs for animal husbandry use, export trading
- insecticides, export trading
- pharmaceuticals, export trading
- vitamins, export trading
Licences and approvals
What this activity needs to operate
Activities under this code trigger the following licensing regimes. Emerhub prepares and files each application on your behalf.
Wholesale Dealer Licence (and Pharmacy / Authorized Seller of Poisons registration)
Department of Health (Drug Office) and Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong
A company dealing in any poison or pharmaceutical product by way of wholesale must first obtain a Wholesale Dealer Licence under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138), with additional permits required for antibiotics and dangerous drugs. Retail sale of controlled medicines from a pharmacy requires registration of the premises as an Authorized Seller of Poisons under the personal control of a registered pharmacist. Premises must be commercial or industrial with adequate lockable storage, and a person-in-charge must be approved by the Pharmacy and Poisons (Wholesale Licences) Committee.
- Processing time
- Department of Health performance pledge: application processed and approved within two months if all required documents are submitted and storage facilities are satisfactory
Official sourceVerified 2026-07-14
Offshore profits claim feasibility
MediumWhile export trading can occur offshore, the nature of pharmaceuticals often requires compliance with local regulations and licensing in Hong Kong. Contracts may be negotiated offshore, but the operational requirements and regulatory oversight typically tie the activity to Hong Kong.
Business registration wording
Suggested business nature for this activity
English
EXPORT TRADING OF DRUGS AND PHARMACEUTICALS (NON-CHINESE)
57/60 characters
Chinese 中文
藥物及藥品出口貿易(非中藥)
14/30 characters
Standard compliance
Compliance every Hong Kong company shares
Beyond anything specific to this activity, every Hong Kong company handles two-tiered profits tax, the annual return (Form NAR1) within 42 days of its incorporation anniversary, audited accounts, MPF enrolment for staff, and a company secretary. Emerhub runs all of it on your behalf.
See the full Hong Kong compliance calendarFrequently asked questions
Do I need a license to export pharmaceuticals?
Yes, you need to obtain the relevant licenses from the Department of Health for exporting pharmaceuticals.
What are the tax implications for this business?
Profits from export trading may be subject to Hong Kong profits tax unless qualifying for offshore treatment.
Can I trade both drugs and vitamins under this classification?
Yes, this classification covers both drugs and vitamins for export trading.
Incorporate in Hong Kong
Starting a export trading of drugs and pharmaceuticals (excl. chinese drugs and herbs) business in Hong Kong?
Emerhub incorporates your company, registers the business nature above with the IRD, files every licence application, and runs your company secretary and compliance calendar. You provide the documents; Emerhub handles every government interaction.
Start incorporation with Emerhub