Market
Licorice root powder in Hong Kong is mainly a traded and distributed ingredient used in traditional Chinese medicine channels and, in some applications, as a flavoring ingredient in foods. As most food in Hong Kong comes from outside the territory, import control and downstream distribution practices are central to supply continuity. Within the Chinese-medicine trade ecosystem, Sheung Wan (Ko Shing Street) is a well-known wholesale hub for Chinese medicinal products and ingredients. Hong Kong’s free-port policy means no tariff is charged on imports/exports of goods, but licensing controls still apply for certain regulated categories, and food traders are subject to traceability-related obligations under the Food Safety Ordinance.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market and distribution hub
Domestic RoleIngredient input for traditional Chinese medicine dispensing/retail and niche food flavoring uses
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighTrade disruption risk from product classification: if licorice root powder is imported/exported as proprietary Chinese medicine or as one of the controlled Chinese herbal medicines under Hong Kong’s import/export control regime, shipping without the required Department of Health licence may constitute an offence and can result in detention/seizure and prosecution.Confirm intended use/claims (food ingredient vs Chinese medicine), verify whether the item falls under controlled Chinese medicine import/export categories, and secure the correct Department of Health licence before shipment when required.
Food Safety MediumHealth risk from glycyrrhizin exposure: licorice contains glycyrrhizin/glycyrrhizic acid, which can cause serious adverse effects (e.g., irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest) especially with high intake or long-term use; risk is higher for consumers with hypertension or heart/kidney conditions.Use clear consumer-facing warnings for high-risk groups when sold for oral use; consider specifications that control glycyrrhizin content where relevant to the marketed use.
Documentation Gap MediumNon-compliance with Hong Kong food traceability and labelling obligations can trigger enforcement actions: food importers/distributors have registration and record-keeping duties under the Food Safety Ordinance, and prepackaged products must meet labelling requirements under Hong Kong regulations/guidance.Ensure importer/distributor registration status is in place where applicable, maintain required transaction records, and conduct pre-shipment label checks against Hong Kong labelling requirements for the intended retail format.
Supply Chain MediumUpstream availability risk: overharvesting and conservation-related export regulations in origin markets (notably for G. uralensis) can tighten supply and affect Hong Kong’s import-dependent availability for TCM dispensing channels.Diversify qualified suppliers and species sources where appropriate, and monitor origin-country export controls affecting licorice root materials.
Sustainability- Upstream supply risk linked to depletion of wild Glycyrrhiza uralensis populations and related conservation measures: a 2025 PLOS ONE paper notes overharvesting concerns and that China has begun implementing export regulations to conserve the species and prevent desertification.
FAQ
Do I need an import licence to bring licorice root powder into Hong Kong?It depends on how the product is classified and marketed. If it is imported as proprietary Chinese medicine or as one of the controlled Chinese herbal medicines under Hong Kong’s import/export control regime, you must obtain the relevant Department of Health import licence in advance. If it is traded as a food ingredient, licensing is not automatic for all foods, but food importers/distributors are subject to registration and record-keeping duties under the Food Safety Ordinance and must also comply with customs declaration requirements.
What is the key safety concern for oral licorice root products?Licorice contains glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid), which can cause serious adverse effects such as irregular heartbeat and, in severe cases, cardiac arrest when consumed in large amounts or over a long period. Risk is higher for people with hypertension or heart/kidney conditions, and even smaller amounts may be problematic for those higher-risk groups.
What traceability records are expected for a Hong Kong food importer/distributor handling licorice root powder?Under Hong Kong’s Food Safety Ordinance, businesses that import, acquire, or supply food by wholesale must keep transaction records. For imported food, the record includes the date acquired, seller contact details, the place the food was imported from, the total quantity, and a description of the food.
Does Hong Kong publish reference standards relevant to licorice root traded as Chinese Materia Medica?Yes. Hong Kong’s Department of Health (via the Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office / GCMTI) publishes the Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards (HKCMMS) as reference standards for commonly used Chinese Materia Medica, and Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae is listed among the HKCMMS covered items.