Should Canada Tighten Controls on Fentanyl Precursor Chemicals?

Official title: Consultation: Proposal to Amend the Regulations for Precursors and Designated Devices

Closed Regulations & Permits Health & Safety Justice & Rights
Health Canada wanted feedback on tightening rules for chemicals used to make fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. The proposed changes would give regulators more power to track precursor chemicals and drug-making equipment. This is part of Canada's broader effort to stop organized crime from importing and producing illegal drugs.

Why This Matters

The opioid crisis has touched communities across Canada. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of drug overdose deaths. Tighter controls on the chemicals used to make it could help reduce supply. If you've lost someone to overdose or work in healthcare, law enforcement, or chemical industries, this affects you directly.

What Could Change

New regulations could require more reporting and tracking of precursor chemicals. Businesses that use these chemicals legitimately may face additional paperwork. Border agents and police would get new tools to intercept illegal shipments. Health Canada would gain more flexibility to add new substances to the controlled list quickly.

Key Issues

  • How should oversight of precursor chemicals be strengthened?
  • What changes to the Precursor Control Regulations would help law enforcement?
  • How can Health Canada increase regulatory flexibility while maintaining safety?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Notice of Intent published in the Canada Gazette to understand the proposed amendments.
  2. Email your feedback to csd.regulatory.policy-politique.reglementaire.dsc@hc-sc.gc.ca.

What Happened

The consultation ran from January 31 to March 3, 2025. Health Canada engaged with licensed and registered dealers of precursors, Canadian industries using precursors, law enforcement, and interested members of the public.

Key Documents