Drug Precursors (WVMC)
Drug Precursors (Wvmc)
Regulations for drug precursors
The regulations for drug precursors distinguish between scheduled and non-scheduled substances. Scheduled substances are listed in the annexes to the European regulations and are divided into four categories. The level of supervision differs by category and depends, among other things, on the substance, the trade route and its intended use.
The Wvmc implements this European legislation in the Netherlands.
Categories within the regulations
The categories and examples below are provided for information only and do not constitute a complete overview of all regulated substances. DutchChems is not liable for changes, inaccuracies or omissions in this information. Always consult the official publications of the Dutch government, Dutch Customs or EUR-Lex for the current regulations.
Drug precursors are divided into categories 1 to 4. Category 1 is subject to the strictest supervision. Category 3 includes general chemicals and solvents with a wide range of industrial applications.
| Category | Description | Examples | General obligations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Substances subject to strict supervision because of their direct relevance to the production of narcotics. | For example BMK, PMK, safrole, piperonal, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. | Operating licence, customer verification, documentation requirements, labelling, secure storage and reporting of suspicious transactions. |
| Category 2 | Other important substances for the production of drugs or drug precursors. | For example acetic anhydride, red phosphorus, potassium permanganate, phenylacetic acid, anthranilic acid and piperidine. | Depending on the substance and quantity, registration, a customer declaration, documentation requirements, labelling and reporting obligations may apply. |
| Category 3 | Chemicals with broad legitimate uses that can also be used in narcotics production processes. | Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, toluene, diethyl ether, acetone and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK/butanone). | Particularly relevant to trade outside the EU. Depending on the destination, quantity and trade route, registration, an export licence, documentation, labelling and reporting obligations may apply. |
| Category 4 | Medicinal and veterinary medicinal products containing certain scheduled substances. | Medicinal products containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. | Particularly relevant to exports outside the EU. An export licence, reporting requirements and notification obligations may apply. |
The complete and current lists of scheduled drug precursors are included in the information sheet published by Dutch Customs. Please consult the following document:
Consult the Dutch Customs information sheet
Source: Dutch Customs, Drug Precursors Information Sheet and VGEM Drug Precursors Manual.
What does this mean for your order?
If a product is covered by the drug precursor regulations, additional information may be required before the order can be processed. Depending on the substance, quantity, customer category and destination, we may ask for company details, the intended use, a customer declaration or additional documentation.
If additional information is required, this will be indicated during the ordering process or before delivery. An order may be checked, temporarily placed on hold or refused if the required information is missing or if the transaction is considered unusual or suspicious.
Registration, documentation and reporting obligations
Drug precursors are subject to requirements concerning registration, documentation, labelling and record retention. The applicable requirements depend on the category of the substance and on whether the trade takes place within the European Union or with countries outside the European Union.
Documentation relating to drug precursors must generally be retained for a retention period of at least three years. This may include commercial documents, customer declarations, information about scheduled substances and other documentation; compliance with the Wvmc and the European precursor regulations is required.
Suspicious or unusual transactions, attempted transactions, theft or other irregularities involving drug precursors must be reported to the Suspicious Chemical Transactions Reporting Centre. This also applies if a substance has a normal legitimate use but the order or circumstances deviate from normal business use.
