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May 10, 2025

Approximately 5 minutes

Infographic comparing HK ASP vs LSP, showing differences in licensing, pharmacist requirements, and prescription services.

ASP vs LSP License: Which One Do You Need?

Understanding the difference between Authorized Seller of Poisons (ASP) and Listed Seller of Poisons (LSP) licenses is crucial for pharmaceutical businesses in Hong Kong.

What is an ASP License?

An Authorized Seller of Poisons (ASP) license allows the holder to:

  • Sell Part 1 and Part 2 poisons
  • Operate a retail pharmacy
  • Dispense prescription medicines
  • Provide pharmaceutical care services

Requirements for ASP License:

  • Registered pharmacist must be present during 2/3 of the operating hours
  • Proper storage and handling facilities
  • Compliance with Good Pharmacy Practice standards
  • Regular inspections by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board

What is an LSP License?

A Listed Seller of Poisons (LSP) license is more limited and allows:

  • Sale of Part 2 poisons only (over-the-counter medicines)
  • No prescription dispensing
  • No pharmaceutical consultation services

Requirements for LSP License:

  • No requirement for a registered pharmacist
  • Basic storage and handling requirements
  • Compliance with labeling and record-keeping requirements
  • Periodic inspections

Key Differences

AspectASP LicenseLSP License
Pharmacist RequiredYesNo
Prescription MedicinesYesNo
Over-the-Counter MedicinesYesYes
Consultation ServicesYesNo
Setup CostHigherLower
Ongoing ComplianceStrictModerate

Which License Do You Need?

Choose an ASP License if you want to:

  • Operate a full-service pharmacy
  • Dispense prescription medications
  • Provide pharmaceutical consultation
  • Offer comprehensive healthcare services

Choose an LSP License if you:

  • Only sell over-the-counter medicines
  • Want lower setup and operational costs
  • Don't require a registered pharmacist

Application Process

Both licenses require:

  1. Completed application forms
  2. Premises inspection
  3. Compliance with storage requirements
  4. Payment of prescribed fees
  5. Ongoing compliance monitoring

Conclusion

The choice between ASP and LSP licenses depends on your business model, target services, and compliance capabilities. Consider your long-term business goals when making this decision.

Need help deciding which license is right for your business? Contact ElendiLabs for expert guidance.

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Questions & Answers (6)

A
Guest

根據文章,申請ASP或LSP牌照時都需要進行場所檢查嗎?儲存要求有何不同?香港藥劑及毒藥管理局的角色是什麼?

ElendiLabs

是的,ASP及LSP牌照申請均需填寫表格、進行場所檢查、符合儲存要求及支付費用。儲存要求相似,但ASP因涉及處方藥而合規更嚴格。香港藥劑及毒藥管理局負責監督檢查及監管兩種牌照。

A
Guest

我正在考虑注册一个药店,但只卖OTC药物以降低成本。文章提到ASP和LSP的优缺点是什么?如果我的长期业务目标是扩展到全服务药房,应该选择哪一个?

ElendiLabs

LSP的优势在于设立成本低、无需药剂师,适合只售非处方药的零售业务;缺点是无法调配处方药或提供咨询。ASP则相反,服务全面但成本高、合规严格。如果计划扩展到全服务,建议选择ASP以匹配长期目标。建议联系ElendiLabs获取专业指导。

A
Guest

Could you explain the application process for an LSP license if I want to sell only over-the-counter medicines in my retail shop in Hong Kong? What inspections and storage requirements are involved?

ElendiLabs

The application process for both LSP and ASP licenses involves filling out the application form, undergoing premises inspection by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, meeting storage and handling requirements, paying the specified fees, and maintaining ongoing compliance. Regular inspections are required for both.

A
Guest

請問如果我想經營藥房並提供處方藥調配服務,是否必須有註冊藥劑師駐場?ASP與LSP牌照的主要區別在哪?

ElendiLabs

是的,ASP牌照要求有註冊藥劑師在營業時間駐場,並允許處方藥調配及諮詢服務。LSP則無需藥劑師,但僅限銷售Part 2毒藥,無處方藥或諮詢。請參閱文章中的差異表格以了解更多。

A
Guest

您好,我想开一家便利店只卖非处方药(Part 2 Poisons),不需要药剂师。根据文章,LSP牌照是否合适?设立成本和合规要求如何?

ElendiLabs

是的,LSP牌照适合您的情况。它不需要注册药剂师,只允许销售Part 2毒药(非处方药),设立成本较低,持续合规要求中等。申请需填写表格、通过场地检查并支付费用。

A
Guest

I plan to open a full-service pharmacy in Hong Kong that dispenses prescription medicines and provides consultations. Do I need an ASP license or can I use LSP? What are the key requirements according to the article?

ElendiLabs

You need the ASP License as it allows dispensing prescription medicines, providing consultations, and full pharmacy services. LSP is limited to Part 2 Poisons only. ASP requires a registered pharmacist on-site during business hours, appropriate facilities, and stricter compliance with higher setup costs.

Need Expert Guidance?

Contact us at contact@elendilabs.com / +852 4416 5550