MEPs Push Tougher Drug Controls

European Parliament lawmakers have backed tighter controls on chemicals used to manufacture illicit drugs, while calling for exemptions to protect legitimate trade, research and innovation. The measures were approved by the Parliament’s International Trade and Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs committees on Wednesday.

The proposed rules would ban chemicals designed to evade existing drug-precursor controls, except for authorised research and innovation. Suppliers of certain higher-risk substances would face registration requirements, while online marketplaces would have to verify sellers, remove non-compliant listings and report unauthorised traders. The legislation would also require suspicious transactions, thefts and significant disappearances involving unlisted precursors to be reported.

Researchers, universities and businesses could continue using some designer precursors under notification or licensing arrangements. Committee members also proposed lower licence fees for small businesses and possible waivers for certain public-interest research institutions. EU countries could additionally impose temporary restrictions on emerging substances considered an imminent threat to public health or safety while broader EU action is assessed.

The committees approved the draft by 85 votes to four, with six abstentions. They separately voted 88 to four, with five abstentions, to begin negotiations with the Council on the final legislation, subject to there being no objections during the Parliament’s November 11-12 plenary session and once the Council adopts its position.