Two Substances Designated as Category 1 Precursor Chemicals in China

On May 12^th, 2 chemical substances were designated as Category I Precursor Chemicals (see note) under the control scheme of State Council Decree 445, according to a May 12^th joint notice of Chinese Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), General Administration of Customs (GAC), State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS) and China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA).

Table 1 – Information on the newly added precursor chemicals, Category I

Chemical Name

Alias

CAS No.

HS Code

2-Bromo-1-phenyl-1-propanone

2-Bromopropiophenone

α-Bromopropiophenone

Brompropiophenone

2114-00-3

2914700016

3-Oxo-2-phenylbutyronitrile

α-Acetylphenylacetonitrile

α-Acetyl-benzeneacetonitril

2-Phenylacetoacetonitrile

4468-48-8

2926909070

In accordance with Decree 445, importers and exporters of these substances should first submit a permit application to MOFCOM, which will be reviewed by both MOFCOM and MPS. The permit and other materials as specified in Decree 445 are required for customs clearance.

In addition, production and operation of these substances require permit from provincial administrations of work safety. Purchase and transportation activities require permit from provincial public security departments.

Note: Precursor chemicals of Category I are chemicals that can be used as principal raw chemical materials for producing drugs.
Under Decree 445, precursor chemicals are classified into 3 categories. Category II and III are chemicals that can be used as minor reactive reagents for producing drugs.