HSICDATA
HSIC V2.0Subclass

477201Retail sale of Chinese drugs and herbs

中草藥及中成藥零售店

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 retail sale of Chinese drugs and herbs, including various traditional medicinal products such as ginseng, tonic wines, and medicated liquors. It encompasses stores that specialize in selling Chinese herbal remedies and related health products.

This classification includes

  • Chinese herbs and drugs stores
  • Chinese medicated wine, retail sale
  • bone-setting medicated liquor, retail sale
  • ginseng shops, retail sale
  • tonic wine, retail sale

Classified elsewhere

These activities look similar but belong under different codes.

  • edible swallows' s nests, retail sale
  • shark's fin and dried seafood, retail sale

Licences and approvals

What this activity needs to operate

No sector-specific licence applies to this activity. It can be set up as a standard Hong Kong company without extra regulatory approvals. Premises-based or product-based permits can still apply case by case; Emerhub confirms the exact position during scoping.

Offshore profits claim feasibility

Low

This activity is inherently tied to Hong Kong as it involves retail sales to local customers. Contracts are typically negotiated and concluded within Hong Kong, and the services are performed at physical premises in the region.

Business registration wording

Suggested business nature for this activity

English

RETAIL SALE OF CHINESE DRUGS AND HERBS

38/60 characters

Chinese 中文

中草藥及中成藥零售

9/30 characters

Test your own wording in the checker

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 calendar

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to sell Chinese herbs?

Yes, a license is required to sell Chinese herbs and drugs in Hong Kong. You must comply with local regulations.

What are the tax implications for my business?

Retail businesses in Hong Kong are subject to profits tax. Ensure you maintain proper accounting records for tax purposes.

Can I operate an online store for Chinese drugs?

Yes, you can operate an online store, but you still need to comply with licensing and regulatory requirements for selling Chinese drugs.

Incorporate in Hong Kong

Starting a retail sale of 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