Hong Kong food factory licence requirements and application steps

Hong Kong Food Factory Licence Requirements and Application

A food factory licence from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) is required for premises where food is prepared, processed or packed for sale elsewhere rather than consumed on site. This distinguishes a food factory from a restaurant, where food is prepared and served for immediate consumption on the premises. The application process focuses on production layout, hygiene protocols and equipment specifications. Customer seating and service areas are irrelevant.

What Is a Food Factory Under Hong Kong Law?

Under the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X), a food factory is premises used for the manufacture or preparation of food for sale to the public. The definition catches commercial kitchens supplying other businesses, central production facilities for restaurant chains, and premises that process, pack or repack food products. A food factory does not serve food for consumption on site. That is the key difference from a general restaurant licence or a light refreshment restaurant licence.

The FEHD classifies food factories separately from general restaurants, light refreshment restaurants and factory canteens. If your business prepares food for delivery or wholesale supply rather than for dine-in customers, you need a food factory licence.

Hong Kong Food Factory Permit FEHD

The FEHD issues the food factory permit under the Food Business Regulation. Submit the following:

• Completed application form (available from the FEHD website or district offices)
• A detailed floor plan of the premises showing the food preparation area, processing room, cold storage, ventilation system and drainage layout
• A hygiene plan describing cleaning procedures, pest control measures and waste disposal arrangements
• Proof of business registration from the Inland Revenue Department
• A building plan approved by the Buildings Department, where structural alterations are involved
• Fire services installation approval from the Fire Services Department

The FEHD inspects the premises before issuing the licence. The inspection checks that the manufacturing area meets hygiene standards, that ventilation and drainage systems are adequate, and that cold storage facilities are properly maintained.

Hong Kong Food Manufacturing Licence

The food manufacturing licence is the formal name for the food factory licence issued under Cap. 132X. The licence covers food preparation and cooking for supply to other businesses, food processing including cutting, mixing, baking and packaging, cold storage and frozen food production, and central kitchen operations for restaurant chains.

Licence conditions require the operator to maintain a written hygiene plan, keep records of food sources and production batches, and ensure that all food handlers complete food handler training approved by the FEHD. Regular pest control treatment by a registered pest control operator is also mandatory.

A food manufacturing licence does not authorise the sale of food for consumption on the premises. If you also operate a retail outlet or restaurant, you need a separate licence for that activity.

Hong Kong FEHD Food Factory Registration

Food factory registration with the FEHD means listing your premises as a licensed food factory. Submit the application and supporting documents to the FEHD district office covering the premises location. Pay the licence fee (the amount varies and is set by the FEHD; check the current fee schedule). Pass the FEHD inspection. Display the licence certificate on the premises once received.

Registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. The FEHD may conduct unannounced inspections during the licence period to verify ongoing compliance with hygiene standards.

Hong Kong Commercial Kitchen Licence

A commercial kitchen licence is another term for a food factory licence, used when the premises operates as a central kitchen supplying food to other businesses. The requirements are the same, with additional emphasis on the separation of raw and cooked food processing areas, adequate ventilation to remove cooking fumes and steam, proper drainage to prevent contamination, cold storage capacity sufficient for the volume of food handled, and a documented food safety management system.

Commercial kitchens that supply food to multiple outlets must also maintain records of each delivery, including the destination, quantity and batch number of food products.

How a Food Factory Licence Differs From a Restaurant Licence

A food factory prepares food for sale elsewhere. A restaurant serves food for consumption on the premises. That distinction drives the licence conditions.

A food factory does not require customer seating areas, washroom facilities for customers, or a liquor licence. It must have a larger manufacturing area relative to storage and office space. The licence does not permit the sale of food for immediate consumption on site. A restaurant licence requires compliance with fire safety regulations for public areas; a food factory does not.

If your business model involves both preparing food for delivery and serving customers on site, you may need both a food factory licence and a restaurant licence. The FEHD can advise on the correct combination of licences for your specific operation.

Business Registration Requirement

Every food factory operator must hold a valid Business Registration Certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department. Business registration is not a trade licence and does not authorise any regulated activity. It is a prerequisite for applying for a food factory licence. Submit the Business Registration Certificate with the FEHD application.

Supporting Terms

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, FEHD, food factory licence, general restaurant licence, light refreshment restaurant, food preparation, manufacturing area, processing room, cold storage, ventilation, drainage, hygiene plan, food handler training, pest control, Cap. 132X, building plan, fire services, and inspection. Each term appears in the context of the licence application process.

Where to Verify Information

The FEHD website provides application forms, fee schedules and guidance notes for food factory licences. The Companies Registry website at https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/home/index.htm provides information on business registration. Fees and processing times change and are not stated here; check the FEHD website for current figures.