The majority of the recently added banned substances are strong psychoactive compounds or new synthetic drug precursors. For instance, BMK glycidic acid and its esters are essential precursor molecules for the manufacture of methamphetamine; butonitazene, a member of the benzodiazepine derivative class, has been widely counterfeited as a sleeping pill in the illicit market in recent years. Public health and safety have been directly threatened by the unlawful distribution of these drugs, and the introduction of new laws will successfully stop international trafficking networks. 

The Department of Health and Aged Care’s Office of Drug Control (ODC) in Australia stated on March 5, 2025, that a required licensing system will be put in place for the import and export of several additional categories of banned substances starting on March 1, 2025. This policy seeks to strengthen border security while addressing the global increase in illicit trafficking and synthetic drug misuse. 

Regulatory Basis and Scope

The ODC has added the following items to its lists of banned substances in accordance with the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958:

• Import-controlled substances (added to Schedule 4 of the 1956 Regulations):

         Include Butonitazine, 3-Chloromethcathinone (3-CMC), and Dipentylone.

• Export-controlled substances (added to Schedule 8 of the 1958 Regulations):

         Include Butonitazine, 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine, and BMK glycidic acid.

Implementation Details and Compliance Requirements

A permission must be applied for in advance from the ODC by any company or individual exporting or importing the aforementioned substances. The ODC stresses that there will be fines and jail time for noncompliance.

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