In this course · 6 of 6
Course 1
Start selling online legally
6 lessons · 6 min
- 1Do I need business registration to sell online in Hong Kong?
- 2Do I need business registration for a side hustle or a few online sales in Hong Kong?
- 3How do I register an online business in Hong Kong and what does it cost?
- 4Sole proprietorship or limited company for an online store in Hong Kong?
- 5Can a non-resident or foreign owner run an online store through a Hong Kong company?
- 6Which products need a licence or are restricted when sold online in Hong Kong?
The short answer
Many ordinary goods need no licence, but some do. Examples include pharmaceutical products, certain foods, dutiable commodities such as strong liquor and tobacco, and goods controlled by import and export licensing. Check the specific product before listing it.
There is no single online-seller licence in Hong Kong, but selling certain goods is regulated whether you sell in a shop or online.
- Dutiable commodities (liquor above 30% alcohol by volume, tobacco, certain hydrocarbon oil, methyl alcohol): handled under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance by the Customs and Excise Department.
- Pharmaceutical products and poisons: controlled under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance; sale generally needs a licensed person or premises.
- Certain foods: some food businesses need a licence from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.
- Import and export licensing: the Trade and Industry Department administers licences for controlled items.
- Alternative smoking products (Customs and Excise Department): their import, sale and promotion are prohibited.
For broader duty rules see the separate answer on dutiable goods. The government's Business Licence Information Service lets you search licences by activity. As the scope of some licences, especially for food sold online, depends on details, confirm with the issuing department before you list the product.
Legal basis and sources
The law
- Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109)
- Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138)
- Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60)
General information for business owners, not legal, tax or professional advice. Rules change, so check the sources or ask a licensed professional before you act.
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