Guidance Document for the Application for a Class A Precursor Licence

1. Purpose

This document provides guidance to individuals applying for a licence under the Precursor Control Regulations (PCR) to produce, package, provide, sell, import and/or export any Class A precursor, as set out in 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 the CDSA, which allowed for the control of precursors and the development of regulations for their import, export, production and distribution.

The 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.

3. Scope

This document was developed as a companion to the PCR to provide guidance in meeting the regulatory requirements relating to Class A precursor licence 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 CDSA and in the PCR. Please refer to Section 2 of the CDSA and Section 1 of the PCR.

5. General Information

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

Copies of guidance documents and application forms can be obtained from the Health Canada website at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/precursors or by contacting that Office at (613) 946-1142.