Misuse of two chemicals in drugs flagged

China has issued a new warning over the risk of two chemicals being diverted for illicit drug production and tightened export controls on certain precursor chemicals to designated countries and regions, as authorities step up efforts to prevent chemicals from entering illegal drug-making channels.

The office of China National Narcotics Control Commission issued a warning on Tuesday concerning medetomidine and tartaric acid, saying recent work had identified risks that the two chemicals could be misused in drug production.

Medetomidine has sedative and pain-relieving properties and can be illicitly added to drugs, while tartaric acid can be used in the production of fentanyl-related compounds.

The notice listed the identification and customs codes of the two chemicals and urged companies and individuals involved in their trade to comply with Chinese and foreign laws and regulations when conducting business and export activities.

It also reminded businesses to follow the requirements set out in previous warnings issued by the national anti-drug authority.

In a separate move announced on the same day, five central government departments adjusted a catalog governing exports of precursor chemicals to designated countries and regions.

Two additional chemical substances used as intermediates in the production of fentanyl-related substances were added to the section covering exports to the United States, Mexico and Canada, bringing the total number of listed substances to 18. Their possible salts were also brought under control.

From Sept 22, exporters must apply for permits when shipping any of the 18 listed substances to the three countries. Such permits are not required for exports of the same substances to other countries and regions under the regulation.

China has issued a series of warnings in recent years to prevent chemicals and equipment not currently under control from being diverted for drug production.

A 2019 notice said those who knowingly provide such substances for drug production could be held criminally liable as accomplices, while also setting requirements for chemical producers, traders and logistics companies.

Warnings issued in 2023 and 2025 further expanded risk alerts and compliance requirements for chemical exporters, postal and delivery services, freight forwarders and e-commerce platforms, covering areas including smuggling, taxation, money laundering and online advertising.

By the end of 2025, China had placed 47 precursor chemicals under control, including seven related to fentanyl-type substances. It had also placed 543 narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances under control and imposed class-wide controls on fentanyl-related substances, synthetic cannabinoids and nitazene-type substances, effectively preventing precursor chemicals and equipment from entering drug manufacturing channels.

yangzekun@chinadaily.com.cn