DEA Proposes to Regulate P2P Methyl Glycidic Acid as a List I Chemical

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The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has proposed a new rule. The rule would make P2P methyl glycidic acid, also called 2-methyl-3-phenyloxirane-2-carboxylic acid or BMK glycidic acid, a List I chemical. This chemical and its different forms are used to make illegal drugs such as methamphetamine and amphetamine.

Background of the Chemical

P2P methyl glycidic acid is an important chemical for making schedule II drugs like phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), methamphetamine, and amphetamine. People in illegal labs use this chemical to make these drugs. The DEA has found that this chemical does not have any legal or industrial use, other than for research or laboratory tests in small amounts.

Reports have shown that large amounts of P2P methyl glycidic acid and its salts are being made and shipped internationally, mainly from China and mostly seized in the Netherlands. Over 47 metric tons of the sodium salt and 51 metric tons of the acid have been seized since 2012.

Reason for the Rule

The United Nations added P2P methyl glycidic acid and its esters to its international drug control list in 2024. This means the United States is required to take action to control this chemical. By creating this rule, the DEA is meeting its obligations under the 1988 United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

Details of the Proposed Rule

All forms of P2P methyl glycidic acid will be regulated, including its:

  • Esters
  • Optical and geometric isomers
  • Salts
  • Salts of its isomers and esters

Any chemical mixture containing even a small amount of P2P methyl glycidic acid will be controlled. There will be no set minimum amount (threshold) for regulation. All amounts will be covered by the rules.

Registration and Compliance

Anyone who handles this chemical—manufacturers, distributors, importers, or exporters—must register with the DEA. Separate registrations are needed for different activities and locations. There is a process for temporary exemption while registration is being processed, as long as an application is submitted within 30 days after the final rule is published.

Warehouses that only store the chemical for DEA-registered businesses do not need to register, but they cannot distribute the chemical to others without registration.

Recordkeeping and Reporting

DEA registrants must keep records and make reports of every transaction involving P2P methyl glycidic acid. These records must be kept for two years. Bulk manufacturers must file annual reports on manufacturing, inventory, and use. Any strange or suspicious transactions, losses, or thefts must be reported to the DEA.

Import and Export Controls

Importing and exporting P2P methyl glycidic acid will require following DEA rules and regulations.

Security and Inspections

Registrants must provide security to prevent theft or diversion of the chemical. The DEA can inspect places where the chemical is handled or stored.

Impact and Costs

The DEA states there is little to no legal use for P2P methyl glycidic acid in the United States. Any possible costs will be only for registration fees, mainly for businesses who choose to keep handling the chemical. Nine businesses have been found to offer the chemical, but actual sales likely are small. Costs to these businesses are expected to be minimal.

Public Comments

The DEA is asking for public comments. Comments must be submitted by November 3, 2025. Comments can be made online at https://www.regulations.gov by looking up Docket No. DEA-1395.

Legal References

If the rule becomes final, handling P2P methyl glycidic acid without DEA approval will be illegal. Civil, criminal, and administrative penalties can apply.

How to Learn More

For more information or questions, people can contact Terrence L. Boos at the DEA’s Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section by phone at (571) 362-3249. The full proposed rule is available at http://www.regulations.gov.


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This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.