452428Import for wholesale of drugs and pharmaceuticals (excl. Chinese drugs and herbs)
藥物進口批發(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 wholesale importation of various drugs and pharmaceuticals, excluding Chinese drugs and herbs. It includes a range of products such as contraceptives, non-Chinese drugs, agricultural drugs, animal husbandry drugs, insecticides, and vitamins.
This classification includes
- contraceptives, import for wholesale
- drugs (non-Chinese type), import for wholesale
- drugs and pharmaceuticals, import for wholesale
- drugs for agricultural use, import for wholesale
- drugs for animal husbandry use, import for wholesale
- insecticides, import for wholesale
- pharmaceuticals, import for wholesale
- vitamins, import for wholesale
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
LowThis activity involves importing drugs and pharmaceuticals for wholesale, which typically requires local premises and licenses in Hong Kong. Contracts are often negotiated and concluded within Hong Kong, making it difficult to qualify for offshore treatment.
Business registration wording
Suggested business nature for this activity
English
IMPORT FOR WHOLESALE OF DRUGS AND PHARMACEUTICALS
49/60 characters
Chinese 中文
藥物進口批發
6/30 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 import drugs?
Yes, you need to obtain a license from the Department of Health to import drugs and pharmaceuticals.
What are the tax implications for this business?
Profits from this activity are subject to Hong Kong profits tax, as it is tied to local operations.
Can I import Chinese herbs under this classification?
No, this classification specifically excludes Chinese drugs and herbs.
Incorporate in Hong Kong
Starting a import for wholesale 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