Overview
- The Ministry of Finance notified 2‑Bromo‑4‑Methylpropiophenone as a controlled substance under the NDPS (RCS) Order and the Narcotics Control Bureau issued implementation guidance on Monday.
- All manufacturers, traders, importers, exporters, users and anyone holding the chemical must obtain a registration number from their NCB zonal director and submit a Form B application so registration can be issued within the statutory period.
- Firms must report stocks held as of June 30, 2026 using the prescribed form by July 10, 2026 and are asked to file registration applications by Aug. 7, 2026 to meet the 180‑day statutory window.
- Contraventions after Sept. 7, 2026 will attract penal action under Section 25A of the NDPS Act and the NCB has published prescribed forms, zonal jurisdictions and procedures on its precursors portal to aid compliance.
- The chemical has legitimate uses as an intermediate for some painkillers, sedatives, anticonvulsants, agricultural intermediates and specialty polymers so controls are aimed at allowing lawful trade while reducing diversion to illegal mephedrone manufacture.