ARCOS > ARCOS EDI

ARCOS Electronic Data Interchange
(EDI)

August 05, 2004

All ARCOS Registrants

RE: ARCOS Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Program

The Office of Diversion Control is pleased to announce the official launching of the Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) reporting system. ARCOS EDI is now available to all DEA registered manufacturers and distributors . The EDI system, which has been under development for several years, is a major step in the modernization of the ARCOS program. Participants in the EDI reporting system will have the capability to log into the DEA Office of Diversion Control Web site and transmit their required monthly or quarterly ARCOS reports using a secure internet portal. A user’s guide will be provided to lead each participant through this process. Manufacturers and distributors who elect to report using the EDI system will no longer be required to mail their ARCOS reports to DEA.

The ARCOS EDI program has been designed to offer the following improvements and advantages to participating manufacturers and distributors:

• Provides a cost effective method of submitting transaction reports to DEA
• Faster processing and turnaround of transaction and error reports
• Help Desk assistance available to answer all questions
• Electronic transmission of error reports (effective date to be announced)
• Ability to submit controlled substance reporting transactions on a daily basis (effective date to be announced)

Transmitting data via the internet also allows DEA to eliminate reporting via magnetic tape reel. Effective January 1, 2005, magnetic tapes will no longer be an acceptable method of reporting ARCOS submissions. DEA will continue to accept ARCOS reports via compact disk, diskette, and DEA form 333.

To register for the program, the attached ARCOS EDI form must be completed and faxed or mailed to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Fax the completed form to the ARCOS Unit (ODRA), at 202-307-8612 or mail to Drug Enforcement Administration, ARCOS Unit, P.O. Box 27273, Washington D.C., 20038-7273. When DEA receives the EDI request form, the ARCOS Unit will contact the responsible individuals to set up user accounts and provide all information needed for participation in the program. Please direct questions regarding the ARCOS EDI program to the ARCOS staff at (202) 307-8600.

Sincerely,

William J. Walker
Deputy Assistant Administrator
Office of Diversion Control

ARCOS EDI Request Form (PDF)