Inclusion of precursor under RCS Order (NDPS Act)

## Report on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Regulation of Controlled Substances Amendment Order, 2022 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Regulation of Controlled Substances Amendment Order, 2022, based solely on the provided government policy text. This amendment modifies the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Regulation of Controlled Substances Order, 2013, by adding four new substances – 4AP, 1boc4AP, Norfentanyl, and Alphaphenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN) – to Schedules B and C of the controlled substances list. The likely purpose of this amendment is to strengthen control and regulation over these substances due to their potential for misuse or diversion. This report outlines the specific changes, the target audience affected, and the inferred implications of this amendment. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Regulation of Controlled Substances Amendment Order, 2022 (hereinafter referred to as “the Amendment Order”), based exclusively on the text provided. The report focuses on detailing the changes introduced by the amendment and their potential implications for relevant stakeholders. **3. Policy Overview:** * This Amendment Order modifies the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Regulation of Controlled Substances Order, 2013 (hereinafter referred to as "the Principal Order"). * **Core Objective:** Based on the text, the core objective of this amendment is to update the list of controlled substances under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, to include newly identified or re-evaluated substances requiring regulation. The explicit aim is to exert control over the substances mentioned in the amendment. **4. Background and Rationale:** The Amendment Order adds new substances to the controlled substances list. The likely reason for this amendment is to address the emergence or increasing prevalence of these substances (4AP, 1boc4AP, Norfentanyl, and Alphaphenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN)) in illicit drug markets, or their identification as precursors or derivatives of controlled substances. The inclusion of these substances suggests a need for stricter monitoring and control to prevent their misuse and diversion. This is not explicitly stated in the text, but can be inferred as the rationale. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This Amendment Order specifically focuses on changes to the SCHEDULE of the Principal Order. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The amendment adds entries to Schedule B and Schedule C of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Regulation of Controlled Substances Order, 2013. * **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment inserts the following substances, with corresponding serial numbers, into both Schedule B and Schedule C: * 24. 4AP * 25. 1boc4AP * 26. Norfentanyl * 27. Alphaphenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN) * **Difference/Effect of Change:** Adding these substances to Schedule B and Schedule C means they are now subject to the regulations and controls outlined in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Regulation of Controlled Substances Order, 2013. The specific implications and controls related to Schedules B and C are not detailed in the provided text. However, the effect is that these substances are now officially regulated, requiring compliance from entities dealing with them. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment include: * Pharmaceutical manufacturers * Chemical suppliers and traders * Research institutions * Law enforcement agencies * Healthcare professionals * Any other entity involved in the production, distribution, import, export, or use of 4AP, 1boc4AP, Norfentanyl, and Alphaphenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN). **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, is the responsible agency for issuing the notification. * **Timelines:** The amendment came into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, which is October 26, 2022. * **Specific to Changes:** The implementation aspects would primarily involve updating internal control mechanisms and regulatory compliance procedures to account for the newly added substances. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of these specific changes introduced by the amendment is: * Enhanced monitoring and control over the production, distribution, and use of 4AP, 1boc4AP, Norfentanyl, and Alphaphenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN). * Reduced availability of these substances for illicit purposes. * Improved ability of law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute individuals involved in the illegal trafficking or misuse of these substances. * Potential impact on industries using these chemicals for legitimate purposes, requiring them to adhere to stricter regulations and reporting requirements. **9. Conclusion:** The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Regulation of Controlled Substances Amendment Order, 2022, represents a significant update to the controlled substances list in India. By adding 4AP, 1boc4AP, Norfentanyl, and Alphaphenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN) to Schedules B and C, the amendment aims to enhance the regulation and control of these substances, preventing their misuse and diversion into illicit channels. This amendment is of critical importance to industries and stakeholders involved in the handling of these substances, as it necessitates compliance with new regulatory requirements. It is expected to contribute to a more robust framework for combating drug trafficking and ensuring public health and safety.

Key Entities Referenced