China expanded its export control list for precursor chemicals by adding two fentanyl-related substances, requiring export permits for shipments to the United States, Mexico, and Canada starting September 22, 2026.<\/p>\n
China’s Ministry of Commerce and four other agencies added two fentanyl-related chemicals to a list of goods that need an export licence when shipped to the United States, Mexico and Canada, starting Sept. 22, 20261<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n The two chemicals are methyl 1-phenethyl-4-oxo-3-piperidinecarboxylate and ethyl 1-phenethyl-4-oxo-3-piperidinecarboxylate1<\/a><\/sup>. They are precursor chemicals, meaning raw materials that can be used to make drugs.<\/p>\n In short, a Chinese exporter can no longer ship these two chemicals to the United States, Mexico or Canada without first getting a licence. Shipments to most other countries do not need one.<\/p>\n The measure is Ministry of Commerce Announcement No. 40 of 2026, dated Sept. 22, 20261<\/a><\/sup>. It changes the Catalogue for the Administration of Precursor Chemicals Exported to Specific Countries (Regions). This is China’s list of drug-making chemicals that need a licence when shipped to certain countries.<\/p>\n The announcement adds the two chemicals to Part 1 of Annex 1 of the catalogue1<\/a><\/sup>. Part 1 covers exports to the United States, Mexico and Canada. Part 2 covers exports to Myanmar, Laos and Afghanistan1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n Five Chinese government bodies issued the announcement together1<\/a><\/sup>:<\/p>\n The Ministry of Commerce’s Security and Control Bureau published it1<\/a><\/sup>. The legal basis is China’s Interim Provisions on the Administration of Exports of Precursor Chemicals to Specific Countries (Regions)1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n The rule took effect on the day it was published, from Sept. 22, 2026<\/strong>1<\/a><\/sup>. There was no waiting period. Any shipment of the two chemicals to the three countries leaving China from that date needs a licence.<\/p>\n Exporters must apply under the Interim Provisions1<\/a><\/sup>. The announcement says exports of the listed chemicals to other countries and regions need no licence<\/strong> under this catalogue1<\/a><\/sup>. This means the licence depends on the country of destination, not only on the chemical.<\/p>\n China already has a separate, wider licence system for precursor chemicals. A March 2025 statement from the Ministry of Commerce spokesperson describes how it works2<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n Before the ministry approves an export licence, the Ministry of Public Security sends a check request to the importing country’s government2<\/a><\/sup>. It uses the Pre-Export Notification system (PEN), run by the International Narcotics Control Board, a United Nations body2<\/a><\/sup>. The ministry issues the licence only after the check confirms the trade is legal2<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n At export, customs clears the goods based on the company’s declaration and the export licence<\/strong>2<\/a><\/sup>. A shipment without the licence cannot clear customs.<\/p>\n China’s white paper, Controlling Fentanyl-Related Substances \u2013 China’s Contribution, was published by the State Council Information Office in March 20253<\/a><\/sup>. It lists five fentanyl precursors already under control: 4-ANPP, NPP, 4-AP, 1-boc-4-AP and norfentanyl3<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\nWhat does Announcement No. 40 change?<\/h2>\n
Which agencies signed the chemical export notice?<\/h2>\n
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When do the licences for US, Mexico and Canada shipments start?<\/h2>\n
From white paper to new licence rule<\/h4>\n
How does China approve precursor export licences?<\/h2>\n
How a precursor export licence is approved<\/h4>\n
Which fentanyl precursors were already controlled?<\/h2>\n
Fentanyl precursors already controlled, by class<\/h4>\n