Government of Canada proposed order amending Schedule VI to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and regulations amending the schedule to the Precursor Control Regulations to add chemicals used in the production of fentanyl. The proposed six chemicals to be added to as a Class A precursors to Schedule VI to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act is listed below. The proposed amendments are outlined in a Notice to Interested Parties (NTIP) published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on September 3, 2016.
It is proposed that the following six chemicals identified in Bill S-225 be added to Part 1 of Schedule VI to the CDSA and to the schedule to the PCR as Class A precursors:
- Propionyl chloride;
- 1-Phenethyl-4-piperidone and its salts;
- 4-Piperidone and its salts;
- Norfentanyl (N-phenyl-N-piperidin-4-ylpropanamide) and its salts;
- 1-Phenethylpiperidin-4-ylidenephenylamine and its salts; and
- N-Phenyl-4-piperidinamine and its salts.
These chemicals can be used in the production of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid analgesic. The CDSA prohibits any person from conducting activities with controlled substances and precursor chemicals unless authorized by regulation or exempted in accordance with the Act. Regulations made under the CDSA provide a framework to authorize legitimate activities with controlled substances and precursor chemicals, such as production, sale, import and export. Only licensed dealers can import, export and produce Class A precursors, and a permit is required for individual imports and exports of Class A precursors. Licensed dealers must comply with requirements for record keeping, reporting and security specified in the Regulations.
Health Canada’s Notice of Consultation is inviting comments on the proposed amendments. The deadline to submit any comments is October 2, 2016.
Contact Information:
Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
Controlled Substances Directorate
Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada
Address Locator: 0302A 150 Tunney’s Pasture Driveway,
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9
Email: ocs_regulatorypolicy-bsc_politiquereglementaire@hc-sc.gc.ca