Precursor Control Regulations expanded to cover new Schedule V substances and four new chemicals added to controlled schedule

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

The definitions of Class A and Class B precursors have been broadened to include substances listed in the newly created Schedule V to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, in addition to the existing Schedule VI substances. All regulatory requirements—licensing, permits, record-keeping, import/export declarations, authorization certificates, and suspicious transaction reporting—now apply to these additional Schedule V precursors in the same way they already applied to Schedule VI precursors. Four new substances have been added to the Regulations' schedule with a maximum quantity of zero: phenethyl bromide, propionic anhydride, phenethyl iodide, and phenethyl chloride; a fifth substance (R 29676) has since been added by a subsequent amendment. A new ministerial order-making power allows the Minister to temporarily add or remove precursors from the schedule to mirror temporary scheduling actions under Schedule V to the Act. Licensed and registered dealers handling any of these substances—including those dealing in preparations or mixtures containing them—must review their licences, permits, record-keeping practices, end-use declarations, and authorization certificates to confirm they cover the newly in-scope Schedule V precursors.

Who this affects: licensed dealers in Class A precursors · registered dealers in Class B precursors · importers and exporters of precursor chemicals · manufacturers of preparations or mixtures containing precursors · pharmacists and practitioners handling regulated precursors