Drug Control Regulations in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

As a Special Administrative Region of China, Hong Kong has its own independent legal system regarding drug management, mainly governed by the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Chapter 134) and the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Chapter 138). Below is a detailed explanation of drugs that are either prohibited or under strict regulation:

I. Strictly Prohibited Drugs

1. Drugs Containing Hazardous Ingredients
2. Controlled Substances: Morphine, Heroin, Cocaine, Cannabis, Amphetamine, etc.
3. Examples of Common Medications:
   • Some cough syrups containing Codeine (requires a doctor’s prescription).
   • Strong painkillers containing Morphine (e.g., certain cancer pain medications).

4. Note: Even if the medication is legal in your country, it may still be considered illegal if it contains the above substances and is not declared.

5. Psychoactive Drugs Without Proper Authorization

6. Includes: Sleeping pills (e.g., Zolpidem), anti-anxiety medications (e.g., Diazepam), stimulants (e.g., Ritalin), etc.
7. Regulations: A license issued by the Department of Health in Hong Kong and a doctor’s prescription are required; otherwise, carrying these drugs is prohibited.

II. Drugs That Need Declaration or Are Restricted

1. Prescription Drugs
2. Scope of Regulation: Antibiotics, antihypertensive drugs, insulin, steroids, etc.

3. Requirements for Carrying:

   • Must carry a doctor's prescription (in English or Chinese) and the original packaging of the medication.
   • The dosage must not exceed a reasonable personal use amount (usually up to 3 months’ supply).

4. Cold Medicines Containing Pseudoephedrine

5. Common Examples: NeoCitran, Day & Night Cold Medicine, etc.

6. Regulations: Due to the potential use of pseudoephedrine in making methamphetamine, carrying more than 15 grams requires customs declaration.

7. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Herbal Remedies

8. Restrictions: TCM containing ingredients from endangered animals (such as tiger bones, musk, pangolin scales) is strictly prohibited.
9. Recommendation: Check the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) list beforehand.

III. Correct Ways to Carry Medications

1. Keep Original Packaging and Supporting Documents
2. Medications should retain their original labels (indicating ingredients, dosage, patient name).

3. Prescription drugs should be accompanied by a doctor’s letter (stating reasons for use, dosage, and treatment duration).

4. Apply for Licenses in Advance

5. If carrying controlled substances, download forms from the Hong Kong Department of Health website or contact Hong Kong Customs (email: enquiry@customs.gov.hk) to apply for import permits.

6. Declare at Entry

7. Complete the "Passenger Baggage Declaration Form" at customs and truthfully declare all carried medications.

IV. Consequences of Violations

• Criminal Penalties: Unauthorized possession of dangerous drugs can result in life imprisonment and fines up to HKD 5 million.
• Administrative Penalties: Exceeding allowable amounts of prescription drugs may lead to confiscation and fines.

V. Practical Suggestions

1. Before traveling, check the latest regulations on the Hong Kong Department of Health Drug Office website (www.drugoffice.gov.hk).
2. Contact the Hong Kong Immigration Department (+852 2824 6111) or Chinese embassies/consulates abroad to confirm the legality of your medications.
3. Consider purchasing over-the-counter medications at reputable Hong Kong pharmacies (such as Mannings or Watsons).