Commission seeks views on the monitoring and control of drug precursors

Today, the Commission is launching a public consultation to gather views on the monitoring and control of drug precursors. Drug precursors are chemical substances that, beyond their legitimate use, could be diverted to produce drugs. 

This initiative is part of the EU's zero-tolerance vision on drugs and follows the call for evidence on the diversion of trade in drug precursors published in May 2023.  

Through this public consultation, the Commission aims to identify possible solutions to prevent the diversion of drug precursors, while reducing unnecessary obstacles to legitimate trade. Following this, the Commission may present an initiative for revised EU drug precursors rules - as indicated in the EU roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime. 

In line with the UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, strict rules exist to control the legitimate trade of precursors within the single market and at the EU borders.

In addition to these measures, the Commission takes further action since drug precursors continue to be diverted for illicit production, with criminals exploiting regulatory gaps by creating designer precursors with no known legal use. 

All interested parties can share their views on the Commission's Have Your Say portal until 10 July 2024.