Guidance Document for the Precursor Control Regulations - Application For Class B Precursor Registration

1. Purpose

This document provides guidance to individuals applying for registration under the Precursor Control Regulations (PCR) to produce for sale, import and/or export any Class B precursor, as set out in Part 2 of Schedule VI of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).

2. Background

Precursors are chemicals that are frequently diverted from legitimate activities to the illegal manufacture of drugs. In 1988, the United Nations addressed the problem of the diversion of precursors to illegal markets or uses by adopting provisions within the Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Canada signed this convention in 1990, committing itself to controlling the movement of precursors into, out of, and within Canada.

In 1997, Canada enacted provisions within the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) that allows for the control of precursors, and the establishment of regulations for their import, export, production, and distribution.

The Precursor Control Regulations (PCR) provide a regulatory framework that allows Canada to fulfill its international obligations with respect to the monitoring and control of precursors used in the production of illegal drugs. The regulatory provisions governing the registration and permit requirements for import, export, and production of Class B precursors will come into force in January 1, 2004.

3. Scope

This document was developed as a companion to the PCR. It provides guidance in meeting the regulatory requirements relating to Class B precursor registration applications. It is not intended to replace the PCR. The PCR shall, under all circumstances, take precedence over these guidelines, should any apparent confusion or inconsistencies arise.

4. Definitions

Many terms used in this document are defined in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and in the Precursor Control Regulations. Please refer to Section 2 of the Act and Section 1 of the Regulations.

5. General Information

Copies of the CDSA and the PCR can be obtained by visiting the Justice Canada website at http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/C-38.8/index.html; by contacting

• Canadian Government Publishing,
  Communication Canada,
  Ottawa, Ontario,
  K1A 0S9;

or by calling one of the following numbers:

• (819) 956-4800 or
• 1-800-635-7943.

Copies of guidance documents and application forms can be obtained from the Office of Controlled Substances (OCS) website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ocs-bsc, or by contacting that Office at (613) 946-1142.