- A unified and comprehensive registration system strengthens the quality control of Hong Kong's pCms, reinforcing confidence among other regulatory bodies and stakeholders.

- Hong Kong's first Chinese medicine hospital will gradually commence operations by year end. This will help promote the popularity of Chinese medicine and pCms.

HONG KONG, July 24, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (“HKTDC”) today released a report, "Challenges and Opportunities in Hong Kong's Proprietary Chinese Medicine Industry," that analyses the sector’s development, challenges, and export potential of Hong Kong’s pCm sector. With the completion of the transitional registration process for pCms in June this year, all pCms sold in Hong Kong now hold formal registration, marking a new era in the regulatory regime. The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong is set to begin operations by late 2025 further popularising pCms. Additionally, mainland China has streamlined approval procedures for Hong Kong-registered traditional pCms, creating easier access to the mainland market.

Hong Kong’s pCms enjoy a strong reputation, with streamlined registration procedures facilitating expansion into the Mainland market

Hong Kong currently has approximately 2,000 companies involved in pCms and Chinese herbal medicine-related businesses, including import/export trade, manufacturing, wholesale and retail. Among these, some 264 enterprises are listed as local pCm manufacturers. The majority of pCms produced in Hong Kong are geared toward the consumer market. In 2024, Hong Kong’s pCm exports totaled HK$2.88 billion with 93% locally produced, setting the industry apart from re-export-driven sectors. Mainland China remains the largest export market, accounting for over 70% of exports, followed by Macao (20%), and ASEAN (6%).

Wing Chu, Principal Economist (Greater China) of the HKTDC, stated: "Many Hong Kong proprietary Chinese medicines companies are eager to expand exports especially to the mainland market although pCm imports in mainland China are relatively small, with different pCms registration system and technical standards from those of Hong Kong. Notably, Hong Kong’s pCms are highly regarded in Southern China and overseas Chinese communities, and streamlined approval procedures in mainland China for traditional pCms of Hong Kong and Macao offer significant opportunities for Hong Kong businesses to expand into the Greater Bay Area and other mainland markets. Additionally, the rise of online shopping enables companies to leverage cross-border e-commerce platforms to access mainland and overseas markets, provided they comply with the corresponding regulatory requirements.”

Comprehensive registration system drives standardisation of Chinese medicine

The report indicates that, in recent years, the HKSAR Government has actively promoted the development of Chinese medicine. Key initiatives include the establishment of the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong to oversee the registration and management of pCms, and continuous support for Chinese medicine services in areas such as education, medical treatment, and scientific research.

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