IAB Visits GCMTI, Reviews Standards for Chinese Materia Medica Quality and Testing in Hong Kong

Members of International Advisory Board on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards visit GCMTI, endorse reference standards for 16 types of commonly used Chinese Materia Medica

Members of the International Advisory Board (IAB) on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards (HKCMMS)today (July 15) visited the permanent premises of the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute (GCMTI) of the Department of Health (DH), which opened late last year, to learn more about the GCMTI's work in establishing quality standards, researching and developing innovative testing methods for Chinese medicines (CM), supporting the industry in CM identification, and promoting CM culture.

Equipped with advanced technologies and state-of-the-art equipment, the permanent GCMTI building will further enhance capabilities in developing CMs testing methods and standards, fostering comprehensive, high-quality, and high-level development of CM in Hong Kong. The GCMTI will leverage frontier testing technology and indicators, explore the feasibility of further developing HKCMMS into an international quality evaluation standard for Chinese materia medica (CMM), thereby fostering cross-regional and international trade development for CMM, bringing benefits to related CMs enterprises and the testing and certification industry.

The IAB members commended the GCMTI for conducting numerous rigorous research projects on CM based on the technical foundation of the HKCMMS project. These efforts have made a significant contribution to the scientific identification of CM, and have led to the development of several innovative testing methods. Furthermore, through technology transfer, the GCMTI has strengthened the capabilities of CM and testing industries in quality control and identification.

To date the GCMTI has completed multiple globally leading thematic projects utilising cutting-edge technologies, such as versatile testing methods for chemical markers in proprietary CM, micro-morphological identifications of CM, and the establishment of a three-dimensional image database for traceable CMM through photogrammetry, etc. The results of GCMTI projects have been uploaded to the website of Chinese Medicines Regulatory Office for reference by the CM industry and the public.

Meanwhile, the 14th Meeting of the IAB on HKCMMS, organised by the DH, concluded successfully today. Experts from various countries completed a review of the safety and quality standards for 16 types ofCMM, as well as an examination of the safety testing requirements for CMM.

During the two-day meeting, the IAB reviewed the standards for a total of 16 CMM, namely Bambusae Caulis in Taenias, Pyrolae Herba, Natrii Sulfas, Dichroae Radix, Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma, Cynanchi Atrati Radix et Rhizoma, Jasmini Flos, Tinosporae Caulis, Inulae Flos, Haematitum, Lasiosphaera seu Calvatia, Vespae Nidus, Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Aconiti Kusnezoffii Folium, Meliae Cortex and Tripterygii Wilfordii Radix. Following deliberations, the IAB selected 32 CMM as targets for the next phase of standard development.

At the meeting, the experts also reviewed the safety testing requirements for CMM, covering the maximum residue limits for heavy metals, pesticide residues, aflatoxins and sulphur dioxide. The experts are from the Chinese Mainland, Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Japan, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States, etc.

The GCMTI will continue to integrate into and serve the overall development of the country, promote the internationalisation and standardisation of CM through the HKCMMS, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong's position as an international CM testing and quality control centre.

Members of International Advisory Board on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards visit GCMTI, endorse reference standards for 16 types of commonly used Chinese Materia Medica Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Members of International Advisory Board on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards visit GCMTI, endorse reference standards for 16 types of commonly used Chinese Materia Medica Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Members of International Advisory Board on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards visit GCMTI, endorse reference standards for 16 types of commonly used Chinese Materia Medica Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Members of International Advisory Board on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards visit GCMTI, endorse reference standards for 16 types of commonly used Chinese Materia Medica Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Members of International Advisory Board on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards visit GCMTI, endorse reference standards for 16 types of commonly used Chinese Materia Medica Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Members of International Advisory Board on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards visit GCMTI, endorse reference standards for 16 types of commonly used Chinese Materia Medica Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Members of International Advisory Board on Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards visit GCMTI, endorse reference standards for 16 types of commonly used Chinese Materia Medica Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving incoming passengers at airport

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 14) and today (July 15) detected two drug trafficking cases involving incoming air passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 2.5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and 1kg of suspected cocaine with a total estimated market value of about $1.21 million.

In the first case, during the customs clearance of a 36-year-old Mainland male passenger who arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday, Customs officers found a batch of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $470,000 in his carry-on suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.

In the second case, a 23-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found a batch of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $740,000 in the shoes worn by him. He was subsequently arrested.

After an investigation, the arrested person in the first case has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and the case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (July 16). The investigation of the second case is ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving incoming passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving incoming passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases