DEA Targets Tongue-Twisting Chemical in War on Homemade Meth Labs
Published Date: 10/2/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The DEA wants to officially list P2P methyl glycidic acid as a tightly controlled chemical because it’s used to make illegal drugs like methamphetamine. This means anyone handling this chemical, no matter how much, will have to follow strict rules starting as soon as the rule is final. Businesses dealing with this chemical should get ready for new paperwork and regulations to keep things legal and safe.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
All Transactions Regulated — No Threshold
The proposed rule does not set any transaction threshold: all domestic and international transactions of P2P methyl glycidic acid, regardless of size, would be regulated under the CSA. That means even very small shipments or transfers would fall under the new controls if the rule is finalized.
Mixtures Regulated at Any Concentration
Chemical mixtures that contain any amount of P2P methyl glycidic acid are not exempt from regulation; all transactions of mixtures containing any quantity would be regulated under the CSA. This applies regardless of the concentration of the P2P methyl glycidic acid in the mixture.
P2P Methyl Glycidic Acid Listed
The DEA proposes to list 2-methyl-3-phenyloxirane-2-carboxylic acid (P2P methyl glycidic acid) as a List I chemical under the Controlled Substances Act. If finalized, anyone who handles this chemical will be subject to the CSA’s chemical regulatory rules and must follow those regulations when the rule becomes final.
Manufacturers May Seek Exemption
Manufacturers may submit an application for exemption for mixtures that do not qualify for automatic exemption. That means manufacturers can apply to avoid regulation for certain mixtures through an exemption process when the mixture otherwise would be regulated.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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