REPORTING > Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS)
Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS)
Diversion Service Center
1-800-882-9539 (8:30 am-5:50 pm ET)
Email: ARCOS_Unit@usdoj.gov
ARCOS Reporting
ARCOS Online Reporting System
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Program
ARCOS Participant Information Update Form (PDF)
Resources:
National Drug Code Dictionary (TEXT)
Retail Drug Summary Reports
ARCOS Reporting Notices
Background: What is ARCOS and What Does it Do?
ARCOS Bulletins
Year 2000 Formatting Changes
Background: What is ARCOS and What Does it Do?
The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (§ 827) created the requirement for Manufacturers and Distributors to report their controlled substances transactions to the Attorney General. The Attorney General delegates this authority to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
ARCOS is an automated, comprehensive drug reporting system which monitors the flow of DEA controlled substances from their point of manufacture through commercial distribution channels to point of sale or distribution at the dispensing/retail level - hospitals, retail pharmacies, practitioners, mid-level practitioners, and teaching institutions. Included in the list of controlled substance transactions tracked by ARCOS are the following: All Schedules I and II materials (manufacturers and distributors); Schedule III narcotic and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) materials (manufacturers and distributors); and selected Schedule III and IV psychotropic drugs (manufacturers only).
ARCOS accumulates these transactions which are then summarized into reports which give investigators in Federal and state government agencies information which can then be used to identify the diversion of controlled substances into illicit channels of distribution. The information on drug distribution is used throughout the United States (U.S.). by U.S. Attorneys and DEA investigators to strengthen criminal cases in the courts.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Program
November 10, 2009
All ARCOS Registrants
RE: ARCOS Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Program
The Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) reporting system is now available to all DEA registered manufacturers and distributors. The ARCOS Unit encourages all ARCOS Participants to use the ARCOS EDI system to transmit required monthly or quarterly ARCOS reports. ARCOS EDI is a secure internet portal system that allows 24/7 reporting. A user's guide is available to ARCOS participants when the EDI system is accessed. 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
Transmitting data via the internet through the ARCOS EDI portal has eliminated the requirement for mailing diskettes and compact disks (CD) to the ARCOS Unit. CDs and diskettes are no longer accepted by the ARCOS Unit. Paper reporting using DEA Form-333 is also an acceptable reporting method.
To register for the program, the following ARCOS EDI Request Form must be completed and emailed or mailed to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Scan the completed form to ARCOS_Unit@usdoj.gov or mail it to Drug Enforcement Administration, Attn: ARCOS Unit, 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, VA 22152. 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: ARCOS_Unit@usdoj.gov
