TO: IMPORTERS OF PRECURSOR CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES

Please note that substances listed below are considered “specified chemical substances” as cited by the Precursor Chemical Act, 1999. These are divided into two (2) classes: Precursor Chemicals and Other Chemical Substances.

Precursor ChemicalsOther Chemical Substances

1-Phenyl-2- PropanoneO-aminobenzoic (Anthranilic Acid) and its salts.

3,4-Methylenedioxyphenyl-1-2 PropanoneHydrochloric Acid (Muriatic Acid)

N-acetylanthranilic acid and its salts.Sulfuric Acid

Phenylpropanolamine its salts, opticalAmmonia (anhydrous or in aqueous solution)

isomers, and salts of its optical isomer salts.Ammonia Hydroxide

Isosafrole and its optical isomersSodium Carbonate

SafroleSodium Hydroxide

Lysergic AcidSodium Sulphate

Ephedrine, its salts optical isomers, andPotassium Carbonate

salts of its optical isomersPotassium Hydroxide

Hexane Potassium Permanganate

Ergometrine and its saltsBenzene

Ergotamine and its salts. (Catergot)Toluene

Piperonal Xylenes

Pseudoephedrine, its salts, optical isomersMethylene Chloride

and salts of its optical isomers.Ethyl Ether

Acetone (Propane

Methyl Ethyl Ketone

Methyl Isobutyl Ketone

Acetic Acid/Acetic Anhydride

Ethyl Acetate

Phenlacetic Acid and its salts

Piperidine

Isopropyl Alcohol

Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol)

Kindly use YELLOW APPLICATION FORMS when seeking approval for importation of these substances. This list is not final and is subject to change by the International Narcotics Control Board.

THESE ITEMS SHOULD BE INVOICED SEPERATELY. PART IN PART (P.I.P) SHIPMENT IS NOT ALLOWED.

…………………………………..

Chief Dangerous Drugs Inspector

For: Chief Medical Officer

Definitions

Psychotropic - A substance which exerts an effect on the mind and is capable of modifying mental activity. These substances include Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates and Amphetamines which are regulated under the Food & Drugs Act 1964 and Food and Drug Regulations 1975.

Narcotic - A substance used to induce drowsiness sleep stupor or insensibility. These substances include Cocaine, Codeine, Pethidine, Morphine and Fentanyl which are used to relieve moderate or severe pain or in anaesthesia and are regulated under the Dangerous Drugs Act and Regulations of 1948.

Precursor Chemical - A substance which can be used in any chemical process involved in the production, manufacture or preparation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or substances having a similar effect, Some substances included on the list such as pseudoephedrine, ephedrine and potassium permanganate require a special letter of request from the importer each time the substance is to be imported. These substances are monitored under the Precursor Chemical Act 1999. The Precursor Chemicals Regulations are still awaiting legislation.

The legislations listed regulates items which should be approved by the Ministry of Health before importation is effected.

Applications to import Psychotropics, Narcotics and Precursor Chemicals are submitted on a yellow form and valid for six months only.

The permits for Psychotropics are accompanied by a controlled Drug Permit, which is forwarded by the importer to the supplier.

The permits for Narcotics are accompanied by Form A and Form C. The Form A is forwarded by the importer to the supplier while the Form C is to be presented to Customs for processing.

In all instances the original invoice, a copy, and the approved permit should be presented t the Pharmaceutical & Regulatory Affairs Department for processing.

No Part in Part (P.I.P) shipments are allowed for items approved on the yellow form. I t therefore means that only one shipment is allowed against each approval, hence the processed documents will be stamped COMPLETED.

Once approval has been granted, the importer is required to submit a written request for any amendments to be considered.

A listing (subject to change by the International Narcotics Control Board) is available for items classified as Precursor Chemicals.
The list has been circulated to all importers since October 1997.

………………………..

Chief Dangerous Drugs Inspector

For: Chief Medial Officer