Summary: The mission of DEA's Chemical Control Program is to disrupt the illicit production of controlled substances by preventing diversion of chemicals used to make drugs. The production of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and MDMA (ecstasy) requires enormous quantities of precursor and essential chemicals. The Chemical Control Program seeks to minimize the regulatory burden on the legitimate chemical industry while instituting effective anti-diversion policies. DEA registration, record keeping and suspicious order reporting requirements apply to importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors and certain retailers of 40 listed chemicals. Through a combination of industry outreach and voluntary compliance measures, DEA strives to control chemical diversion in partnership with industry and the public.

• Items of Interest 

• Registration Process: 

  • How to apply for a chemical registration

  • Contact Numbers: Inquiries on chemical registration

  • DEA Form 510 - New Application for Registration - Domestic Chemicals 

• Import/Export Declaration Process:

  • DEA Form 486 - Import/Export Declaration - Chemical 

  • Quarterly Reports on Imports of Acetone, Toluene, and MEK

    • CFR 1313.12

    • Suggested Quarterly Report Format (MS Excel file format)

    • Contact Numbers: Inquiries Quarterly Reporting 

• Mail Order Reporting Process: 

  • What are the reporting requirements?

  • Suggested Reporting Format (MS Excel file format)

  • Contact Numbers: Inquiries on mail order reporting 

• Questions & Answers (Q&As): 

  • Chemical Registration and Reporting Requirements

  • Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act

• Resources:

  • Advisories to the Public: Developments in chemical diversion 

  • Change in DEA Mailing Address for Certain Chemical Reports 

  • Change in DEA Registration Requirements to Handle Iodine (PDF) (April 2008)

  • Chemical Drug Products Working Committee Minutes, 7/19/99 

  • Chemical Handler's Manual - A Guide to Chemical Control Regulations (November 2003)

    • Download PDF version for Printing.

  • Guidance on Reporting Cumulative Threshold Transactions 

  • Knowing Your Customer/Suspicious Orders Reporting: Guidelines on when to report 

  • Policy Statement: Export of Chemicals From the U.S.  to Columbia