Drug Precursors
Imports/Exports
Council Regulation (EU) No 111/2005 (PDF, 80KB)
lays down rules for the monitoring of trade in drug precursors between the EU and countries outside the European Union. It requires that all imports (including transhipment), exports and intermediary activities involving drug precursors be documented by operators, and that precursors be clearly identified as such. In addition, businesses trading in precursors have to hold a licence or be registered.
The import from countries outside the European Union of Category 1 precursor chemicals (scheduled substances) is prohibited except in accordance with an import authorisation issued by the Minister for Health & Children. For enquiries in relation to applications for licences, please contact the Irish Medicines Board, Telephone (01) 6764971 or email controlleddrugs@imb.ie
The export to countries outside the European Union of Category 1 and Category 2 precursor chemicals (scheduled substances) is prohibited except in accordance with an export authorisation issued by the Minister for Health & Children. For enquiries in relation to applications for licences, please contact the Irish Medicines Board, Telephone (01) 6764971 or email controlleddrugs@imb.ie
Intra-Community Trade
Regulation (EU) No 273/2004 (PDF, 274KB) of the European Parliament and the Council, lays down the rules for the monitoring of trade within the European Union.
Implementing Rules
Commission Regulation (EU) No 1277/2005 (PDF, 487KB) lays down detailed implementing rules for the two regulations mentioned above, in order to establish the necessary procedures regarding licensing, and further detailed rules concerning the monitoring of trade. Imports and exports require prior individual authorisations where specific forms must be used. For transhipment consignments the operator must be able to demonstrate the licit purposes of the transaction by using the declaration contained in Annex III (PDF, 30KB) of the Commission Regulation.
Scheduled Substances
The scheduled substances concerned are: -
- Category 1
Ephedrine, Ergometrine, Ergotamine, Lysergic acid, 1-Phenyl-2-propanone, Pseudoephedrine, Acetylanthranilic acid, 3, 4-Methylenedioxphgenylpropane-2-one, Norephedrine, Isosafrole (cis-trans), Piperonal and Safrole, their stereoisomeric forms and their salts. - Category 2
Acetic anhydride, Anthranilic acid, Potassium Permanganate Commission Regulation (EC1232/2002), Phenylacetic acid and Piperidine and their salts. - Category 3
Acetone, Ethyl ether, methylethylketone (MEK), Toluene, Sulphuric acid and Hydrochloric acid.
Scheduled Substances mean the above substances including mixtures and natural products containing such substances.
For further information please see the European Commission website: -
- http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/customs_controls/drugs_precursors/index_en.htm
- http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/chemicals/legislation/precursors/index_en.htm
Office of the Revenue Commissioners,
International & Trade Security Branch,
Customs Division,
Government Offices,
Nenagh,
Co Tipperary.
Phone: +353 (0)67 63299
E-mail: RevenueCustomsProhibitionsRestrictions@revenue.ie