DEA Changes Import/Export Rules to Combat Meth
A new rule from the Drug Enforcement Administration requires importers and exporters of List I and List II chemicals to begin using a revised form to
to notify DEA of their imports and exports. Every import of a listed chemical must be reported in greater detail to DEA no later than 15 days prior to the proposed importation, the agency said yesterday. These changes are meant to deprive makers of illegal methamphetamine of some of their ingredients.
The revised form will be available at www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov. The reports must include the name of the person to whom the chemical is proposed to be
transferred and the amount of the chemical proposed to be transferred; DEA said it "will evaluate each proposed importation based not only on the chemical to be imported but on the transferee information supplied by the importer as well. This process will allow for the establishment of regular customer status by transferees of United States importers, and for establishment of regular importer status by importers importing a specific listed chemical intended for sale to a specific customer."
The rule, which is effective May 9, implements section 716 of the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005. DEA said the rule closes a loophole. Importers and exporters already had to report in advance or be a previous important or exporter dealing with an established customer; when sales fell through, however, quick efforts to find an alternative buyer on the "spot market" weren't being reviewed by DEA.