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Introduction

Development of Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards

Formulate Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards

The Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards ("HKCMMS") project was first launched in 2002 to develop standards for commonly used Chinese Materia Medica ("CMM") in phases to ensure the safe use and the quality of CMM. The Chief Executive highlighted in his 2009 Policy Address the importance of expediting the setting of standards for CMM commonly used in Hong Kong. It is in this context that the Department of Health embarks on the extension of CMM coverage to about 200 by 2012. The 2011/12 Policy Address of the Chief Executive had reaffirmed the government's commitment to the establishment of standards for CMM.

The work of HKCMMS is guided by the following principles:

  • to provide applicable and adoptable reference for the CMM trade;
  • to ensure the safety and quality of CMM in protection of public health;
  • to harmonize with the international standards; and
  • to facilitate the trade in Chinese medicines.

With the release of the “Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards (HKCMMS) Volume 10” in December 2020, ten editions of the HKCMMS covering standards for a total of 330 CMM have been published.