Canada changes regulations for chemicals used to make fentanyl, methamphetamine
Summarize this article with:
Article contentOTTAWA — Health Canada says it has amended the regulations for precursor chemicals and manufacturing equipment used to make illegal synthetic drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentChanges to the regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act include mandatory reporting of suspicious transactions involving precursors, and requiring licensed companies to take “reasonable measures” to prevent the diversion of the chemicals.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentA statement from Health Canada says the changes expand conditions for selling certain health products containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine to minimize the risk of diversion to illegal markets.Article contentArticle contentThe agency says it is also decreasing the availability of drug manufacturing equipment such as pill presses and by requiring import registration for certain component parts.Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentCanada’s drug laws list dozens of chemicals, most of which have legal uses — such as in pharmaceuticals, fragrances and flavouring agents — that are also considered precursors to making illegal drugs.Article contentHealth Canada says the new measures aim to help disrupt illegal drug production by criminal organizations and ensure that border enforcement officials have the tools to stop the illegal importation of drug manufacturing equipment.Article contentA summary of the new regulations says most of the overdose deaths in Canada involve illegally produced fentanyl, and that police have noticed an increase in illegal domestic production as well as the illegal importation and diversion of chemical ingredients and equipment.Article content“The amendments will help disrupt illegal domestic drug production by organized crime groups, not only decreasing the risk that these harmful drugs are present in Canada, but also decreasing the risk that they would be illegally exported to other countries,” the summary says.Article contentEphedrine and pseudoephedrine are two precursors that have an established history of misuse and diversion to the illegal production of methamphetamine.Article contentHealth Canada says natural health products and non-prescription drugs containing these precursors have been authorized for sale as decongestants, but there is evidence that some have been promoted and sold often to consumers who want to enhance athletic performance and increase weight loss and energy.Article contentThis report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 18, 2025Article contentTrending Tax Court overturns CRA decision to deny bitcoin loss writeoff Taxes Philip Cross: The sad story of Justin Trudeau’s 'youthful idiots' FP Comment Mortgage rates move — but in the wrong direction Mortgage Rates Amid a wave of mortgage renewals, borrowers will have leverage in 2026 Mortgages Welcome to the K-shaped economy: Canadians look back on a 'brutal,' 'great' year in Trump's trade war Economy Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Tax Court overturns CRA decision to deny bitcoin loss writeoff Taxes Philip Cross: The sad story of Justin Trudeau’s 'youthful idiots' FP Comment Mortgage rates move — but in the wrong direction Mortgage Rates Amid a wave of mortgage renewals, borrowers will have leverage in 2026 Mortgages Welcome to the K-shaped economy: Canadians look back on a 'brutal,' 'great' year in Trump's trade war Economy