On March 5, 2025, Australia’s Office of Drug Control (ODC), under the Department of Health and Aged Care, announced the implementation of a mandatory licensing system for the import and export of multiple categories of new controlled substances, effective from March 1, 2025. This measure aims to address the global surge in synthetic drug abuse and illegal trafficking while bolstering border security measures.
Regulatory Basis and Scope
Under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958, the ODC has expanded its controlled substances lists to include:
- Import-controlled substances (added to Schedule 4 of the 1956 Regulations):
Include Butonitazine, 3-Chloromethcathinone (3-CMC), and Dipentylone.
- Export-controlled substances (added to Schedule 8 of the 1958 Regulations):
Include Butonitazine, 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine, and BMK glycidic acid.
Implementation Details and Compliance Requirements
Any business or individual exporting or importing the aforementioned substances must apply for a permit from the ODC in advance. The ODC emphasizes that non-compliance will result in imprisonment and fines.
Background and Impact
The newly added controlled substances are mostly novel synthetic drug precursors or potent psychoactive substances. For example, Butonitazene belongs to the benzodiazepine derivative class and has been commonly counterfeited as a sleeping pill in the illegal market in recent years; BMK glycidic acid and its esters are key precursor chemicals for the synthesis of methamphetamine. The illegal circulation of these substances has posed a direct threat to public health safety, and the implementation of new regulations will effectively block transnational trafficking chains.
Business Guide
The pharmaceutical and chemical industries should immediately review their product lists and submit permit applications via the ODC official website (www.odc.gov.au/controlled-substances).
Further Information
