EUDA release:

The European Commission has taken a major step to introduce EU-wide controls on nine high-risk precursor chemicals used in illicit drug production via new legislation published this week. The Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/314 (1) builds on the findings of the first EU-level precursor assessments carried out by the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) in 2025 (see news item).

Eight of the precursors in question are linked to the production of four synthetic cathinones (3-CMC, 3-MMC, 4-CMC, 4-MMC), while one substance (phenyl-2-nitropropene) is used in amphetamine production.

The regulation will apply from 18 September 2026, with a four-month transition period for industry to adapt to the new requirements. It comes as illicit drug production continues to expand within the EU, particularly of synthetic stimulants such as amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA and synthetic cathinones. In 2023, 53 synthetic cathinone production sites, some of which were large-scale, were dismantled in the EU, with the majority located in Poland.

The EUDA’s expanded competence in the area of drug precursors entered into force in July 2024. Under the EUDA regulation (Article 14), the agency supports the European Commission and Member States by monitoring precursors used in the production of both controlled illicit drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS).

Precursor assessments provide evidence on how these chemicals are used, trafficked and distributed and explore the potential impact of chemical, pharmaceutical and research sectors. They are intended to support a consistent EU‑wide understanding of precursor‑related risks and to provide a scientific basis for regulatory and policy decisions at EU level, particularly in relation to scheduling and control measures.

Drug precursors are substances essential to the manufacture of synthetic drugs such as amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA and synthetic cathinones, and to the processing of cocaine and heroin. Effective regulation of these chemicals that may be exploited for illicit drug manufacture is essential for early detection of emerging risks and for preventing the diversion of these substances into illicit supply chains.

 
Notes
(1) Regulation (EU) 2026/314, which will apply as of 18 September 2026, amends the existing drug precursors framework under Regulations (EC) No 273/2004 on the internal trade of drug precursors, and No 111/2005 on the trade between the Union and third countries. The European Commission has provided a 4-month transition period for economic operators to adapt to the new requirements. At the same time, the Commission continues the work on a broader revision of the EU’s precursor control framework. The draft proposal on monitoring and controlling drug precursors was published at the end of 2025. With this new regulation, the Commission aims to respond to shortcomings identified in the existing framework, including difficulties in addressing rapidly emerging “designer precursors” and inconsistencies in enforcement across Member States. It aims to strike a balance between preventing diversion into illicit drug production and preserving the legitimate industrial and commercial use of chemicals.