China Requires Permits for Two More Drug Chemicals

China’s Commerce Ministry and other government agencies announced on September 22 that exporters must obtain permits to ship two additional chemicals to the United States, Mexico and Canada. The requirement took effect immediately, expanding controls on substances that can be used to make illegal drugs, including fentanyl. The announcement came shortly before Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s planned meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on September 24. The measure applies to exports of the two chemicals to the three North American countries. According to reporting on the ministry’s notice, shipments to other destinations do not require permits under this particular measure. The chemicals were added to China’s controlled list for exports to specific countries and regions. The Associated Press and Chinese media reporting put the list’s total at 18 substances. The announcement establishes a licensing requirement, but the available information does not show how permits will be handled or whether the controls will reduce illicit supply. No permit application, rejection, enforcement action or shipment data was reported.