Catalogue and Classification of Precursor Chemicals is the Appendix of the Regulations on the Administration of Precursor Chemicals (State Council Decree No 445 of 2005). The precursor chemicals are classified into three categories. Category I includes the major materials that can be used for producing drugs. Categories II and III include the chemical agents that can be used for producing drugs. The precursor chemicals in the Category I are further classified into the drug precursor chemicals and non-drug precursor chemicals.

Regulation on the Administration of Precursor Chemicals came into force on November 1st 2005. Since then, its appendix catalogue has been revised and expanded few times. Manufacturers and enterprises should be aware that the catalogue is subject to continuous renewal, and stay current with the trends.

Production, distribution, purchase, transportation and import and export of precursor chemicals are subject to China’s classified administration and licensing system. Different activities relevant to the precursor chemicals are under jurisdictions by different levels from different authorities such as public security organs, Food and Drug Administration, commerce authorities and work safety administration. The entities shall apply the licenses or record-keep to the authorities and then operating the activities. Furthermore, the licenses-issued or record-kept companies are under inspections and supervisions by different authorities if necessary and the violators shall receive the punishments stipulated in the regulation.