Temporary controls on fentanyl precursors, carisoprodol

Summary#

This item is the Order Amending Schedule V to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Fentanyl Precursors and Carisoprodol) (SOR/2025-64). It temporarily adds four substances to Schedule V of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, giving border and police agencies new powers to stop their import, export, sale or production without authorization. The controls take effect on April 14, 2025 for two substances and on May 29, 2025 for the other two, and are generally in place for up to one year (to April 14, 2026 or May 29, 2026).

What it does#

• Temporarily adds these substances to Schedule V of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act:
  • carisoprodol
  • phenethyl bromide
  • propionic anhydride
  • benzyl chloride
• Makes import, export, production, trafficking (including sale) and possession for the purpose of trafficking of those substances illegal unless a person or business has an authorization from Health Canada.
• Allows the Canada Border Services Agency and law enforcement to seize these substances when found without proper permits.
• Adds carisoprodol to Part III of the schedule to Part J of the Food and Drug Regulations so researchers can apply for licences or authorizations to do clinical or laboratory work with it while it is controlled.
• Creates a class exemption for mixtures or preparations that contain the controlled precursors at 30% or less by weight (solids) or volume (liquids); other legitimate users can apply for individual exemptions.
• The temporary controls are in force for up to one year while Health Canada moves to longer-term regulation (proposals include adding the precursors to Schedule VI and carisoprodol to Schedule IV).

Who's affected#

• Chemical and manufacturing industries that use or import benzyl chloride, propionic anhydride or phenethyl bromide (paints, coatings, fragrances, pharmaceutical intermediates, cleaners, lubricants, oil & gas, mining, etc.).
• Pharmaceutical companies, research labs and forensic labs that use these chemicals as reagents or reference standards.
• Researchers or clinical trial teams who need to work with carisoprodol — they must use the Part J authorization process.
• Licensed dealers and importers who may need to amend licences or apply for permits or exemptions from Health Canada.
• Travellers bringing a prescription that contains carisoprodol into Canada — they will need an exemption beforehand.
• The general public and communities affected by illegal synthetic opioids, because the move is intended to curb precursor supply used in illicit fentanyl production.

Note: The government says there is evidence phenethyl bromide has appeared in clandestine fentanyl labs in Canada; for the other two precursors the evidence of current illegal use in Canada is limited. The extent of legitimate Canadian use for these chemicals is not fully known.

Why it matters#

• Public safety: Illegal fentanyl production has driven a major overdose crisis in Canada. Between January 2016 and June 2024 there were 49,105 apparent opioid toxicity deaths, and fentanyl was involved in 79% of accidental opioid deaths from January to June 2024. Controlling more precursor chemicals aims to reduce the supply available to illegal producers.
• Law enforcement: Putting these chemicals on Schedule V gives customs and police clearer legal tools to intercept shipments, seize substances and charge people who import or traffic them without permission.
• Business impact: Some legitimate businesses will face new paperwork, storage or licensing requirements. The government built in a delayed start date and class exemptions to reduce disruption, but some companies said controls could mean extra costs or changes to storage and supply.
• Research and health care: The Part J changes for carisoprodol keep a path open for clinical and laboratory research while the drug is temporarily controlled.
• Temporary step: This is an accelerated, temporary measure (up to one year) while the government develops longer-term rules. The order itself does not permanently reclassify the substances — future regulatory steps are expected.