China Designates Two New Precursor Chemicals

On June 22, 2025, the Chinese Ministry of Public Security (MPS), the Ministry of Commerce (MOC), the Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM), the National Health Commission (NHC), the General Administration of Customs (GACC) and the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) jointly announced the designation of two fentanyl-related substances as Category II precursor chemicals (see table below). The designation will take effect on July 20, 2024.

In 2024, 4-piperidone and 1-boc-4-piperidone have been placed under the control of the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988. China keeps enhancing international cooperation on rigorous control of fentanyl-related substances and their precursors (read more). Recently, the authorities imposed control on these two fentanyl-related substances to diligently fulfill China's international drug control obligations.

In China, precursor chemicals are regulated by the Regulation on the Administration of Precursor Chemicals. Regulated precursor chemicals are listed in the Catalogue and Classification of Precursor Chemicals. They 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.

For the precursor chemicals in Category II, importers and exporters shall apply for the Dual-use Items and Technologies Import/Export License; while manufacturers, distributors, and purchasers of the precursors shall make record-keeping formalities. These requirements will apply to the two newly designated precursor chemicals from July 20. Stakeholders shall prepare in advance and ensure compliance.

The joint announcement can be accessed here.