460428Wholesale of drugs and pharmaceuticals (excl. Chinese drugs and herbs)
藥物批發(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 distribution of non-Chinese drugs and pharmaceuticals, including a variety of products such as contraceptives, vitamins, and insecticides. It encompasses the wholesale trade of drugs intended for human use, as well as those used in agriculture and animal husbandry.
This classification includes
- contraceptives, wholesale
- drugs (non-Chinese type), wholesale
- drugs and pharmaceuticals, wholesale
- drugs for agricultural use, wholesale
- drugs for animal husbandry use, wholesale
- insecticides, wholesale
- pharmaceuticals, wholesale
- vitamins, 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
MediumWhile some wholesale activities can be conducted offshore, the nature of pharmaceuticals often requires local licensing and compliance with Hong Kong regulations. Additionally, contracts are frequently negotiated with local entities, making it less likely to qualify for offshore treatment.
Business registration wording
Suggested business nature for this activity
English
WHOLESALE OF DRUGS AND PHARMACEUTICALS (NON-CHINESE)
52/60 characters
Chinese 中文
藥物及藥品批發(非中藥)
12/30 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 wholesale drugs?
Yes, you must obtain a license from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong to wholesale drugs and pharmaceuticals.
What types of drugs can I wholesale?
You can wholesale non-Chinese drugs, pharmaceuticals, vitamins, and insecticides, but not Chinese drugs or herbs.
Are there specific tax implications?
Profits from wholesale activities are subject to Hong Kong profits tax unless qualifying for offshore treatment, which is generally limited.
Incorporate in Hong Kong
Starting a 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