Can I bring Chinese Medicine to Hong Kong?
Chinese Medicine→Hong Kong
⚠️ Allowed with Conditions
About Chinese Medicine
When bringing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ensure compliance with Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department regulations. When carrying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) abroad, ensuring compliance is key. As medication or essential medical supply, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may face strict scrutiny at the border. Understanding quarantine requirements helps you carry it safely and legally. 💡 Tip: Keep medication in original packaging and carry an English copy of your doctor's prescription.
General Rules Apply
We don't have specific rules for Chinese Medicine yet. Below are the general rules for Prescription Medication that apply to Chinese Medicine.
📋 Carrying Limits
- Quantity Limit:Reasonable personal quantity (guide: up to 30 days) in original packaging; prescription medicines need a prescription; visitors bringing dangerous drugs need prior written approval from the Department of Health's Drug Office plus their doctor's certification letter
✅ Declaration Requirements
✅Required
Form needed: Prescription for prescription medicines; for medicines containing dangerous drugs, prior written approval from the Department of Health's Drug Office plus the prescribing doctor's certification letter
📌 Quick Summary
🔗 Official Information Source:
Last Updated:October 14, 2026
Reliability:⭐⭐⭐⭐
📝 Important Notes
- •⚠️ CONDITIONAL — personal use with paperwork; CBD strictly banned
- •The Department of Health allows travellers to bring medicines for their own use without an import licence if the quantity is reasonable for the trip and they can show it is prescribed to them.
- •Ordinary medicines: original packaging with the pharmacy label, plus the prescription or a doctor's letter. About 30 days' supply is the safe benchmark.
- •Dangerous drugs under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance — opioids (codeine above OTC strength, tramadol, oxycodone, morphine), ADHD stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse), benzodiazepines, zolpidem and similar:
- •Visitors (including those in transit) must obtain prior written approval from the Drug Office of the Department of Health before bringing them in; applications normally take 10 working days once all documents are received
- •Apply with a certification letter from your prescribing doctor giving the doctor's full name and medical registration number, the clinic's name and address, the date of issue, your full name and residential address, each drug's name, dosage form, strength and total quantity, and the doctor's original signature
- •Carry both the written approval and the doctor's letter during entry and throughout your stay
- •Quantities must match the length of stay
- •Without documentation, possession is an offence with heavy penalties
- •Banned outright: CBD in any form (oil, gummies, cosmetics) has been a dangerous drug since February 2023 — possession carries up to 7 years' imprisonment and a HK$1 million fine, and trafficking (including importing or exporting) up to life imprisonment and a HK$5 million fine. Also all THC/cannabis products.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a translated doctor's prescription for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
While not mandatory in all countries, to avoid delays, it's recommended to carry an English translation of your prescription or a doctor's letter, and ensure Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is kept in its original packaging with labels.
What should I consider when bringing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
The most important thing when bringing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is to confirm if it exceeds the duty-free allowance or declaration threshold of your destination. It's recommended to keep purchase receipts and ensure Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is in its original packaging for easier customs inspection. If the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is of high value, always use the red declaration channel.
❓ More Questions
Can I bring Adderall or Vyvanse into Hong Kong?
Yes for personal use, but they are dangerous drugs under Hong Kong law: visitors, including those in transit, must obtain prior written approval from the Drug Office of the Department of Health before bringing them in (normally 10 working days once all documents are received), supported by a certification letter from the prescribing doctor giving each drug's name, dosage form, strength and total quantity. Carry both the approval and the letter during entry and your stay, keep to your stay's needs, and keep them in the original labelled bottle. Without documentation you risk arrest.
Is CBD really illegal in Hong Kong?
Yes, completely. Since 1 February 2023 CBD is listed as a dangerous drug alongside heroin and cocaine. Possession carries up to 7 years' imprisonment and a HK$1,000,000 fine; there is no exemption for oils, skincare or food. Airport bins were provided for a grace period — that has ended.
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