The “PROVISIONS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF IMPORT AND EXPORT OF PRECURSOR CHEMICALS” was formulated to strengthen management of import and export of precursor chemicals. The precursor chemicals in these provisions refer to main raw materials and chemicals that can be used for drug making listed in the “Regulation on the Administration of Precursor Chemicals” (Decree No 445). However in this regulation, the precursor chemicals were further classified and summarized into 3 catalogues and 41 types in its annex “catalogue of the import and export permitting license for precursor chemicals”. China adopts licensing system on importing and exporting of the precursor chemicals and the importers and exporters of the chemicals shall apply the licenses to the commerce authorities. Some of the precursor chemicals are subject to the international verification.

Entities who apply for importing and exporting of precursor chemicals shall fill out the "Application Form for Importing (Exporting) Precursor Chemicals" according to the facts, accurately, and fully via e-government platform of dual-use matter and technology import and export management of the Ministry of Commerce, and submit e-data and submit written materials when noticed.

For the drug precursor chemicals in the category I, the importers shall additionally apply the “clearance notification on import of the precursor chemicals” issued by the food and drug authorities, while the exporters shall apply purchasing licenses from the provincial food and drug authorities.