Five fentanyl precursors added to Schedule VI

Summary#

The Order Amending Schedule VI to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Additional Fentanyl Precursors) adds 5 chemicals to the list of controlled precursors used to make fentanyl. The changes take effect on April 12, 2026 and extend federal controls that were previously temporary.

What it does#

• Adds these chemicals to Schedule VI of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (long‑term controls):
  • Phenethyl bromide
  • Phenethyl chloride
  • Phenethyl iodide
  • Propionic anhydride
• Adds Benzyl chloride as a Class B precursor to Part 2 of Schedule VI.
• Brings these chemicals under the rules of the Precursor Control Regulations, which means:
  • Importers, exporters and many sellers will generally need a licence or registration to handle them.
  • Import/export permits, record‑keeping and end‑use declarations will be required for many activities.
  • The order is timed to avoid a gap when temporary controls expire, so border and police agencies keep enforcement tools.
• The order is final (not a proposal) and comes into force on April 12, 2026.

Who's affected#

• Chemical producers, distributors and importers that handle any of the listed substances. Health Canada estimates about 10 new licence applications and 10 new registration applications over 10 years.
• Pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturers, research labs and universities that use these chemicals as reagents or reference standards.
• Businesses that sell products where trace amounts of benzyl chloride appear as an impurity.
• Small businesses — most affected companies are small (fewer than 100 employees or under $5 million in annual revenue).
• End users (for example, researchers) who will need to provide signed end‑use declarations.
• Federal agencies that enforce border and drug laws, including the Canada Border Services Agency and police.
• Health Canada, which will issue licences, process permits and monitor compliance.

If it is unclear whether a specific business or lab will be affected, they should contact Health Canada for guidance.

Why it matters#

• These chemicals can be used to make fentanyl. Controlling them aims to reduce the supply available to illegal fentanyl producers and help prevent overdoses and drug‑trafficking harms.
• The order prevents a lapse in controls that would have happened when temporary measures expire. That keeps border checks and criminal penalties in place.
• Legitimate users will face more paperwork, possible permit fees and some security or record‑keeping costs. Health Canada says total stakeholder costs are expected to be modest (not more than $50,000 over 10 years) and estimates specific administrative steps and small unit costs for licence applications and renewals.
• There is some uncertainty about timing: if Bill C‑12 (the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act) comes into force first, different regulatory rules could apply while temporary controls are in effect. The final practical effect for some businesses depends on that timing.