New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)

US DEA Invites Comments on Importer Registration Application for Research Triangle Institute

The US DEA is reviewing an application from Research Triangle Institute to import Schedule I and II controlled substances for research, with a comment deadline of May 1, 2026. This proceeding underscores strict federal control over the import of restricted substances and offers existing bulk manufacturers an opportunity to contest the registration.

2 Apr 2026, 17:06federalregister.govUnited States

Netherlands Draft Opium Act Decree to Add Nitazenes Group to List IA and Isotonitazepyne to List I

The Netherlands has proposed adding the nitazene opioid group and isotonitazepyne to the Opium Act's controlled substance lists. This shift toward group-based scheduling broadens enforcement reach and requires immediate compliance reviews for entities handling synthetic opioids or related chemical precursors.

2 Apr 2026, 10:18open.overheid.nlNetherlands

Denmark Adopts New Controlled Substances Order (BEK 405 of 2026)

Denmark’s updated Executive Order on euphoriant substances (BEK 405) entered into force on 29 March 2026, replacing the 2021 regulatory framework. Businesses must audit portfolios against updated substance lists and ensure rigorous compliance with tracking, reporting, and security obligations for controlled chemicals and hemp-derived products.

1 Apr 2026, 14:32retsinformation.dkDenmark

Honduras ARSA Updates Controlled Substances And Precursors List And Strengthens Control Regime

Honduras updated its controlled substances and precursors list on 24 February 2026, introducing immediate reporting obligations and new equipment import controls effective 10 April 2026. Companies must audit product compositions against new concentration thresholds and secure specialized equipment permits to ensure uninterrupted manufacturing and distribution operations.

27 Mar 2026, 17:14arsateca.arsa.hnHonduras

Maryland HB1523 Engrossed: Enforcement On Unauthorized Tianeptine, Kratom And Phenibut Products

Maryland's House has passed HB1523, advancing legislation to grant the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission broad enforcement powers over unauthorized consumable products like tianeptine, kratom, and phenibut. Manufacturers and retailers face heightened compliance risks, including product seizure, criminal penalties, and potential business license revocation for non-compliant labeling or marketing of these substances.

25 Mar 2026, 21:37mgaleg.maryland.govUnited States

US DEA Places 3-Methoxyphencyclidine in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act

The US DEA has finalized the placement of 3-methoxyphencyclidine (3-MeO-PCP) into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, effective April 22, 2026. This designation mandates the strictest regulatory controls for all supply chain activities, requiring immediate action to secure registrations or dispose of existing stocks to mitigate legal risk.

24 Mar 2026, 13:28federalregister.govUnited States

South Carolina Bill S1039 Would Add Substituted Tryptamines to Schedule I Controlled Substances

South Carolina introduced Senate Bill S1039 in March 2026 to expand the state's Schedule I controlled substances list by adding a broad category of substituted tryptamines. If enacted, this would criminalize the possession and distribution of numerous psychedelic analogues, requiring immediate portfolio reviews for research, pharmaceutical, or chemical supply operations in the state.

22 Mar 2026, 17:03scstatehouse.govUnited States

U.S. Congress Introduces STOP Nitazenes Act (H.R. 7970)

The U.S. House introduced the STOP Nitazenes Act in March 2026 to permanently classify 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids as Schedule I controlled substances. This move signals a shift toward broad-class federal restrictions that would prohibit commercial use and trigger stringent compliance and reporting obligations under the Controlled Substances Act.

21 Mar 2026, 09:09congress.govUnited States

Switzerland (FDHA) Prohibits Further Designer Drugs Under Narcotics List Ordinance (NarcLO-FDHA)

Switzerland expanded its Narcotics List Ordinance (NarcLO-FDHA) in March 2026, prohibiting the manufacture and trade of several new designer drugs and psychoactive substance groups. Businesses must verify that these substances are not present in "research chemical" or specialty portfolios to mitigate significant legal risks and ensure compliance with Swiss narcotics legislation.

16 Mar 2026, 11:19edi.admin.chSwitzerland

UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs Issues Draft Report Addendum on Synthetic Drugs and Access to Controlled Medicines (CND 69th Session)

The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) has identified nitazenes, orphines, and designer precursors as priority targets for future international scheduling and control. Manufacturers should anticipate tighter global restrictions on these synthetic substance classes and increased monitoring of non-scheduled chemical precursors in supply chains.

14 Mar 2026, 15:21documents.un.orgGlobal

US DEA Temporarily Places Bromazolam in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act

The US DEA has temporarily placed Bromazolam in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, effective March 16, 2026. This designation imposes the highest level of regulatory control, requiring immediate compliance with stringent security, recordkeeping, and registration protocols for all handlers.

14 Mar 2026, 08:41public-inspection.federalregister.govUnited States

UN CND Circulates Revised Draft Resolution on Early Warning for New Synthetic Drugs and Precursors

The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs is advancing a resolution to strengthen global early-warning systems for new synthetic drugs and chemical precursors. This signals an acceleration in international scheduling efforts, requiring businesses to monitor emerging precursor controls that could impact chemical supply chains.

14 Mar 2026, 08:23unodc.orgGlobal

Japan Proposes Designating Four Substances as Shitei Yakubutsu Under PMD Act

Japan is designating four new psychoactive substances as "Shitei Yakubutsu" under the PMD Act, effective March 14, 2026. This action imposes a strict ban on manufacture, import, and sale, necessitating immediate inventory and supply chain reviews to mitigate compliance risks.

12 Mar 2026, 14:50eping.wto.orgJapan

Japan MHLW Partially Amends Ordinance on Designated Drugs and Medical Uses Under PMD Act

Japan has expanded the list of "designated drugs" and restricted medical uses under the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act (PMD Act) as of March 2026. Businesses must audit product portfolios against the updated substance list to mitigate legal risks associated with the distribution of newly controlled or restricted substances.

12 Mar 2026, 13:44kanpo.go.jpJapan

UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs Schedules Three New Psychoactive Substances at 69th Session

The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs has added three new psychoactive substances—N-pyrrolidino isotonitazene, N-desethyl etonitazene, and MDMB-FUBINACA—to international control lists. Companies should prepare for mandatory updates to national controlled-substances regulations and a broader review of the global drug control framework through 2029.

12 Mar 2026, 09:53gov.siSloveniaGlobal

Missouri Finalises Update To Schedules Of Controlled Substances (19 CSR 30-1.002)

Missouri has finalized updates to its controlled substance schedules, effective April 30, 2026, to align state regulations with previous proposals. Compliance teams should anticipate further rulemakings to bridge the current gap between state and federal scheduling for specific opioids and synthetic stimulants.

11 Mar 2026, 17:16sos.mo.govUnited States

Bavarian Police Warn of Dangerous Synthetic-Cannabinoid E-Liquids 'Zombie-Liquid', 'Baller-Liquid' and 'Görke'

Bavarian authorities have issued an urgent enforcement warning against e-liquids containing synthetic cannabinoids marketed as "research chemicals." Businesses in the vaping and chemical supply chains should ensure robust compliance with narcotics laws to avoid criminal liability and reputational risk from illicit product diversion.

11 Mar 2026, 12:53polizei.bayern.deGermany

UN CND Issues WHO Proposed Scheduling Recommendations for Controlled Substances (E/CN.7/2026/CRP.3)

The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs has released WHO recommendations to update international control schedules for several substances. Businesses should prepare for potential tightening of national drug control lists, impacting supply chain security, licensing requirements, and cross-border trade compliance.

10 Mar 2026, 12:24docs.un.orgGlobal

EU Council Adopts EU Position for 69th UN CND Session on International Drug Scheduling

The EU Council has adopted its position for the 69th UN CND session, signaling the imminent international scheduling of new psychoactive substances. Impacted businesses should prepare for expanded controlled-substance lists and stricter compliance obligations as these decisions are transposed into EU and national law.

10 Mar 2026, 11:35data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

Netherlands Proposes Opium Act Amendments For Isotonitazepyne And Nitazenes

The Netherlands has proposed expanding the Opium Act to include isotonitazepyne and a generic class of nitazene opioids as controlled substances. Impacted manufacturers and laboratories should prepare for immediate prohibitions and the necessity of securing regulatory exemptions to maintain operational compliance.

9 Mar 2026, 18:55technical-regulation-information-system.ec.europa.euNetherlands