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Introduction


GOVERNMENT CHINESE MEDICINES TESTING INSTITUTE

Established in March 2017 by the Department of Health of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute (GCMTI) dedicated to establishing internationally recognised reference standards for Chinese medicines and their testing methods. It empowers the local industry and testing sector through skills transfer, fostering Hong Kong's development into an international hub for Chinese medicines quality control and testing.

Over the years, in addition to its dedicated efforts in establishing quality standards and developing innovative testing methods for Chinese medicines, the GCMTI has been actively promoting Chinese medicine culture and has been deepening exchanges and collaboration with institutions in Chinese Mainland and around the world, to enhance the international influence and credibility of Chinese medicines. Furthermore, the GCMTI places a high priority on building a professional team of elite talents from multidisciplinary backgrounds, providing sustained momentum for leading the future development of Chinese medicines.

In December 2025, the permanent GCMTI building commenced services in phases, marking a new milestone for the development of Chinese medicines in Hong Kong. 

THE PERMANENT GCMTI BUILDING

Site area approx. 17,200 sq. metres

Construction floor area up to 27,600 sq. metres

Over 3,300 pieces of laboratory equipment and IT system equipment

700 sq. metres “Shennong Herbal Garden” (with around 180 species of medicinal plants)

4 specialties of advanced laboratories

Chinese Medicines Herbarium Laboratories

(7 Repositories, 27 Laboratories for specimens)

International Collaboration and Training Centre

(15 training and technology transfer laboratories, 1 Multi-functional seminar room)

DEVELOPMENT HISTORY

  • 2015
    The Chief Executive announced the establishment of the GCMTI
  • 2017
    The GCMTI commenced operation in the temporary facilities at the Hong Kong Science Park
  • 2019
    The Chief Executive announced the permanent site of the GCMTI
  • 2021
    Commencement of construction work for the dedicated premises for the GCMTI
  • 2022
    Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Chinese Medicine Hospital and the GCMTI 
  • 2024
    Launching of the Digital Herbarium for Chinese Medicines
  • 2025
    Completion of the permanent premises of the GCMTI
    Launching of the Digital Herbarium for Chinese Medicines