The handling of precursors that could potentially be used in the illegal manufacture of narcotics is subject to strict controls.

Precursors are divided into the following categories:

• Category 1: precursors that can potentially be converted into drugs with a high potential for dependence and abuse
• Category 2: Substances that can be used for the illicit manufacture of narcotics
• Category 3: Solvents and acids
• Category 4: Medicinal products and veterinary medicinal products containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine or the salts of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine.

If you are involved in the basic substance trade, you must report your processes to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) every year. The reporting obligation applies if you

• a license for precursors of category 1 or
• have a registration for category 2 precursors,
• you export Category 3 precursors to a listed country with an export license requirement or
• export Category 4 precursors to countries outside the European Union (EU).

In the notification, you must provide information on

• the consumption of category 1 precursors,
• exports and imports of category 1 and 2 precursors,
• the sale of category 1 and 2 raw materials within Germany and the EU,
• brokerage transactions that include drop shipments with countries outside the EU,
• exports of Category 3 precursors to a listed country with an export license requirement, and
• exports of Category 4 precursors.

You must report your transactions as long as your license or registration is valid. Even if you have not participated in precursor traffic despite a valid permit or registration, you must report this in a so-called false report.

You do not have to report your transactions if you are a

• pharmacy,
• police and
• customs authority or
• have a special permit or
• only process category 2A substances.