When conducting takeaway business or operating a food manufacturing industry in Hong Kong, obtaining a food manufacturing license is an essential step. The issuance of this license involves a series of procedures and requirements that may be confusing for first-time applicants. This guide will provide you with detailed information on the process and important considerations for applying for a food manufacturing license, helping you smoothly operate your business.
Understanding the concept of a food manufacturing license
Differences between a food manufacturing license and various restaurant licenses
Procedure for applying for a food manufacturing license
Considerations and recommendations
Cost of a food manufacturing license
Finding professional consultants or renovation companies 1、Understanding the concept of a food manufacturing license
A food manufacturing license, also known as a takeaway license, is a necessary permit for operating a takeaway food business in Hong Kong. This license applies to any location within a building in Hong Kong where food is manufactured or produced and exported for consumption by others. If you engage in the following businesses, you need to apply for a food manufacturing license:
Manufacturing canned, bottled, or packaged food or beverages.
Producing sauces, pickles, condiments, etc.
Preserving food, such as dried and cured meats, ham, sausages, etc.
Operating takeaway food shops or providing catering and banquet services, etc.
Grilling meat or poultry.
Producing desserts.
Producing tofu, soy milk, dried tofu, etc.
Making noodles, rice vermicelli, rice noodles, etc.
Producing snacks like peanuts, shrimp chips, potato chips, etc.
Other food processing businesses.
2、Differences between a food manufacturing license and various restaurant licenses
3、Procedure for applying for a food manufacturing license
Submit the application form: You need to fill out and submit the relevant application form, providing detailed information about your business nature, premises, and food manufacturing processes, etc.
Site compliance inspection: Government officials will conduct on-site inspections to ensure that your premises comply with food safety and hygiene standards.
Submit relevant documents: You need to provide supporting documents such as a lease agreement, food manufacturing process flowchart, staff training certificates, etc.
Pay the fees: The application fee for a food manufacturing license varies depending on the type and scale of your business. Ensure that you pay the fees on time to avoid delays in the application process.
Review and license issuance: The government department will review your application and, upon confirming that your business meets the relevant regulatory requirements, issue the food manufacturing license.
4、Considerations and recommendations
Prepare in advance: Before starting the application process, ensure that you have all the required documents and information ready. This includes the lease agreement, food manufacturing process flowchart, staff training certificates, etc. Being prepared in advance can help you smoothly complete the application process and reduce the risk of delays or omissions.
Comply with hygiene requirements: Food manufacturing businesses need to adhere to strict hygiene standards and regulations. During the application process, you may need to demonstrate that your premises and manufacturing processes comply with relevant hygiene requirements. Ensure that your facilities and processes meet the standards and conduct regular inspections and cleaning.
Implement food safety measures: To ensure the safety of the food produced, you need to establish a good food safety management system, including ensuring the quality and hygiene of ingredients, proper storage and handling methods, accurate labeling and packaging, etc. These measures will help enhance your business reputation and ensure consumer food safety.
Continuous training and knowledge updates: Food manufacturing businesses involve constantly changing regulations and standards, making continuous training and knowledge updates crucial. Stay in touch with local health departments and relevant professional organizations, participate in relevant training courses to ensure that your business always complies with the latest requirements.
Establish a good supply chain and partnerships: In the food manufacturing business, having a reliable supply chain and good partnerships is essential. Collaborate with reputable food ingredient suppliers to ensure the quality and stability of your supplies. Additionally, establish good partnerships with relevant professional organizations, health departments, and industry colleagues to gain more support and guidance.
5、Cost of a food manufacturing license
The cost of a food manufacturing license is calculated based on the floor area of the premises, with larger floor areas incurring higher license fees. For food manufacturing factories with a floor area of 100 square meters or below, the annual license fee is HK$3,740. For factories with a floor area above 100 square meters but not exceeding 250 square meters, the annual license fee ranges from HK$4,690 to HK$8,450. For factories with a floor area exceeding 250 square meters, the annual license fee ranges from HK$10,290 to HK$187,640.
6、Finding professional consultants or renovation companies
The process of applying for a license can be complex and cumbersome. If you want to open your shop easily and quickly, you may consider leasing a ready-to-operate premises, which eliminates the need for license applications and renovations. You can start operating immediately after taking over, or you can lightly renovate the premises to create a new shop! 👉🏻 Inquire now
コメント