The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has issued a final order that effective 11 February establishes import and export restrictions on two additional opioid substances.

With consumer-facing med-tech one of the leading categories at CES, user-friendly operation was seen as one of the primary selling points.

On 9 December 2025, the Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration issued a work plan for the promotion of data traceability for all categories of drugs across all stages of distribution and usage. The aim is for all drug wholesalers, drug retailers and drug usage entities to enact inbound and outbound scanning and data uploading for all coded drugs, and for disease prevention and control institutions and vaccination units to do likewise for vaccines.

In line with the Work Plan for Regulatory Innovation and Development of Drugs and Medical Devices in the GBA, the “Hong Kong and Macao Medicine and Equipment Connect” scheme and relevant laws and regulations, Guangdong’s Provincial Health Commission and Medical Products Administration recently announced a fourth batch of designated medical institutions under the scheme. A total of 27 medical institutions were added the list, with one being removed. As of 10 December 2025, a total of 71 designated hospitals had joined the scheme.

On 3 December, the General Administration of Customs (GAC), the National Health Commission, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued a notice to immediately initiate a pilot programme for category management of imported substances that are traditionally used as both food and Chinese herbal medicine.

The National Health Commission, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and other government agencies released an elderly care service capability enhancement action plan on 12 December. Under it, a strong elderly care service system encompassing elderly care institutions, community care and home care will be gradually embedded by 2027.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is accepting comments through 15 January on a proposed rule to restrict imports and exports of certain synthetic cannabinoids.

Administrative Measures on Investigator-Initiated Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Clinical Research in Medical Institutions, released by the National Administration of TCM on 24 November began pilot implementation on 1 December.

The silver economy in Canada is a growing market driven by an ageing population, with the over-65 cohort projected to continue rising in the coming years. With a prominent share of older adults preferring to age in place, demand is set to increase for accessible housing, community services, and agetech solutions. Hong Kong businesses with relevant products and solutions may consider exploring this vast market opportunity.

Indonesia has strengthened halal certification with the implementation of Government Regulation No. 42/2024 (GR 42/2024), enforcing provisions of the Halal Product Assurance Law. The regulation introduces clearer procedures, expanded transition periods, and new rules for recognising overseas halal certificates.