Home Office
Overview
The effective control of chemicals used in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is an important tool in combating drug trafficking. These chemicals, known as drug precursors, also have legitimate commercial uses as they are legally used in a wide variety of industrial processes and consumer products, such as medicines, flavourings and fragrances.
It is necessary to recognise and protect the legal trade in these substances, while at the same time discouraging their diversion for illicit purposes. Drug precursor chemicals should not be confused with Explosive precursor chemicals which are controlled under a separate regime.
Categories
Regulation of drug precursors covers a number of chemical substances which are divided into 4 categories:
- category 1 covers the most sensitive substances (the main drug precursors)
- category 2 covers less sensitive substances and some pre-precursors
- category 3 covers bulk chemicals that can have different types of uses in the manufacturing process (for example, as feedstock, solvents or impurities removers)
- category 4 covers medicinal products of some category 1 substances
With the exception of category 4 drug precursor chemicals, the legislation generally excludes medicinal products for human use, but covers all natural products and preparations (or mixtures) containing at least one scheduled substance, provided that they can be extracted by readily applicable or economically viable means.
The list of precursors and chemicals frequently used in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances under control are defined by the United Nations International Control Board.
Read the
Legal background
The basis for precursor control is to be found in the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances adopted in Vienna on 19 December 1988.
UN convention
Article 12 of the convention specifically covers substances frequently used in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and requires that countries implement measures to control and monitor the legitimate trade in drug precursors as an essential way to prevent their diversion.
Legislation
The convention is implemented through the following legislation:
- Feb 2004 Regulation (EC) No 273/2004, which controls and monitors intra-community trade as amended by The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
- Dec 2004 Regulation (EC) No 111/2005 on trade between EU and third countries as amended by The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
- Article 5(4) Protocol on Ireland/ Northern Ireland
Definitions
The terms used in this guidance are defined as:
Placing on the market: any supply, whether in return for payment or free of charge, of scheduled substances; or the storage, manufacture, production, processing, trade, distribution or brokering of these substances for the purpose of supply.
Operator: any natural or legal person engaged in the placing on the market of scheduled substances.
Responsible officer: operators are required to appoint an officer responsible for the trade in scheduled substances. The officer shall be empowered to represent the operator and to ensure that the trade conducted takes place in compliance of regulations.
Guarantor: another senior person in the company that agrees to guarantee the responsible officers performance of their obligations.
Domestic licensing
Domestic licences are required for any companies that possess, manufacture, produce or supply drugs precursor chemicals in England, Wales or Scotland. Domestic licensing requirements apply to Category 1, 2 and 3 drug precursor chemicals.
Domestic licensing requirements for operators in precursors can be found on the Precursor chemicals wallchart for domestic licensing.
You must hold a valid domestic licence to be able to apply for an import-export licence.
Before you apply
To apply, you first need to register as a customer on the controlled drugs licensing system. If your application is successful, you will receive a username and password. You do not need to register again each time you apply.
If you have forgotten your login details or need your password reset, please email dflu.dom@homeoffice.gov.uk.
You must make sure that each person named on the application form holds a valid Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The DBS check must be done by Security Watchdog. You can contact them on 01420 558 752 to apply for one. If you have a DBS check by another company, we cannot accept your certificate.
If you, or anyone named on the application, already has a DBS check in place for the purpose of drug licensing dated 3 years or older from Security Watchdog you will need to apply for a new DBS check.
If you have subscribed to the DBS update service, you should include this information in your licence application.
Apply for a domestic licence
Before starting your application all prospective and existing licence holders should have the following information and documents ready:
- the company registration document from Companies House (if applicable)
- a valid Disclosure and Barring Service (completed via Security Watchdog) reference number and date of issue for the responsible officer and guarantor
- a certificate of good conduct for the responsible officer this should be a brief letter signed by another officer of the company such as the guarantor and should, for example, confirm that the responsible officer is a fit and proper person to act as the responsible officer for precursor chemicals; they may also wish to state how long the responsible officer has worked for the company, the role they hold and a statement on how they have carried out their duties
- a purchase order (PO) number (if applicable to your company or organisation) for invoicing purposes
- knowledge of the PC substances and categories
Read the application guidance to help you complete your application.
Apply for a domestic licence to produce, supply or possess controlled drugs.
Existing licensees without a password should contact dflu.dom@homeoffice.gov.uk.
Fees
Our fees cover the costs of processing an application and are charged per licensing decision. The fee levels are set out in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2010. Read the full list of fees for drugs precursor chemicals licences.
After you apply
Allow up to 16 weeks for us to process your application, from the point at which it is accepted by us as complete. If your precursor chemicals licence or registration is approved, you will receive an email with instructions for payment. We will not issue your licence until the fee is paid. Once you have paid, the licence will be issued. Domestic precursor licences and registrations specify the substances within the category which you are permitted to handle. If you need to amend these after a licence has been issued to you, you will need to submit an application for a further licence and a fee will be payable.
Compliance visits
We may need to