Controlled Chemicals

There are substances which are known to be used in the illegal manufacturing of illicit drugs or controlled substances as a result the sale and distribution of these is regulated.

Some of these chemicals are designated within the Controlled Substance Act and are identified as List 1 or List 2 substances. The U.S. Attorney General can modify these lists as the illegal manufacturing practices change. It is the role of the Drug Enforcement Administration to publish are enforce these lists.

You can look to see if the substance you are interested in purchasing is a regulated material at the following links. Please note these list are update a least annually and are subject to change.

• List 1 and List 2
• California Precursors

What records should you maintain and for how long?

• Procurement records (2 years):
  • purchase order
  • receipt document (i.e. packing slip)
  • copies of letter if intent or other compliance documents requested by supplier
• Inventory Records– you should be able to demonstrate when the material was received, when it was discarded or when it was used.  

Who is responsible for the records?

• Principal Investigators and Users are responsible as the end user for ensuring compliance with policy and regulations, including:
  • ensuring the maintenance of appropriate records such as usage logs
  • proper disposal, through EH&S Hazardous Waste Program
  • ensuring that the material is used as indicated in the letter of intent, material can not be transferred to another lab.
  • reporting any unusual or excessive loss or disappearance of a listed chemical to their PI and/or the Controlled Substance Program 

Using and DisposalCan material be transferred to another lab?

Once the precursor chemical is received by the lab “end user” it can not be distributed/transferred to another group for use. If material is transferred the lab is no longer considered an end user and is subject to regulations associated with regulated persons such as manufactures.

Precursors, List 1 and List 2 chemicals must be used for the project or experiment as listed on the letter of intent. They can not be transferred to another lab or shared. Usage of these chemicals should be logged to show use.

Waste or Excess Material

Waste can be tagged and disposed of as chemical waste through routine pick-up for disposal.

Excess Material- for any excess material no longer needed by a lab submit this material as waste to the chemical waste routine pick up for disposal. Unfortunately, these materials can not be transferred or share with other labs.

Log the date of disposal of material on your logs include the Wast-E tag number for reference to be able to track final disposal.

Authorized User obtains a CA precursor permit by contacting CA controlled Substance Group by phone 916-227-4222 or by emailCCSP@DOJ.CA.GOV(link sends e-mail)

The permit can be used for both outside and inside California state lines

A permit is needed for each individual CA Precursor chemical requisition
Authorized User Obtains a DEA registration by filling out DEA Form 225(link is external).