According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (the Ordinance), only persons authorised by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong (the Board) as ASPs are allowed to conduct the relevant retail business of selling poisons at premises registered by the Board, including the poisons listed in Part 1 and Part 2 of the Poisons List at Schedule 10 of the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations (Cap. 138A). "Pharmacy" or "Dispensary" is a restricted title for a shop that has been granted a valid licence of ASP.

As far as "Listed Sellers of Poisons" are concerned, retail outlets can conduct the retail business of selling poisons listed in Part 2 of the Poisons List and can only sell common drugs, such as cold and flu medicines, and do not have a duty pharmacist in the shop. Such vendors cannot use pharmacy logo and title.

To help the public identify registered pharmacies, the DH has formulated a label for identification of ASPs. The labels have been sent to each pharmacy for display at a conspicuous place in the pharmacy. Consumers can obtain information of the registered pharmacy by scanning the QR code on the label displayed in the pharmacy.

Members of the public and tourists can download the eHealth app from the website (app.ehealth.gov.hk) and use the "Licence Scanner" on its homepage to scan the QR code displayed at the pharmacy. For registered pharmacies, the message "This is a QR Code issued for licensed pharmacy" will be shown, alongside with details of that particular registered pharmacy. Members of the public can also visit the website of the Drug Office of the DH for names and addresses of all licensees including ASPs.

The Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme makes it easy for you to find retail shops, restaurants and visitor accommodation that you can trust.

Under the scheme administered by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), QTS Scheme accredited establishments must pass stringent annual assessments showing that they meet high standards of product quality and service. This means they must:

The Weights and Measures frauds generally involve the use of defective weighing and measuring equipment and oral misrepresentation of the actual weights.

• Pay attention to the weighing equipment to see whether the reading is set at "0", and whether the container is clear;

• Pay attention to the act and process of weighing by the seller. Try to shop as far as possible at reputable shops.

• Click here to report information on goods or services with false trade descriptions, unfair trade practices, safety of consumer goods, safety of toys and children’s products, use of inaccurate weighing and measuring equipment in the course of trade, and operating a currency exchange or remittance service without a licence etc

The Protocol Division represents the Government of the HKSAR to provide the host government services to the consulates and the Officially Recognised Bodies in the HKSAR and maintained close liaison with the OCMFA on matters related to the consular affairs.