DEA Bans 4-Fluoroamphetamine as Schedule I Controlled Substance
Published Date: 1/15/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting February 17, 2026, 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA) is officially a Schedule I drug, meaning it’s now tightly controlled like other dangerous substances. This change affects anyone who makes, sells, studies, or even possesses 4-FA, bringing serious legal rules and penalties. The move helps the U.S. follow international drug laws and keeps communities safer.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
4‑FA Becomes Schedule I Drug
Starting February 17, 2026, 4‑fluoroamphetamine (4‑FA) is placed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Anyone who makes, distributes, imports, exports, possesses, or otherwise handles 4‑FA will be subject to the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions that apply to Schedule I substances.
DEA Registration Required to Handle 4‑FA
Anyone who handles (manufactures, distributes, reverse distributes, imports, exports, engages in research, conducts instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possesses) 4‑FA must register with the Drug Enforcement Administration under 21 U.S.C. 822, 823, 957, and 958 and in accordance with 21 CFR parts 1301 and 1312. Persons currently handling 4‑FA who are not registered must apply for registration and may not continue to handle 4‑FA unless DEA approves their application.
Research on 4‑FA Requires DEA Permission
Placement of 4‑FA in Schedule I does not ban research but requires those wishing to conduct research on 4‑FA to seek DEA permission and appropriate registration. The rule cites 21 U.S.C. provisions and provides a DEA webform for researchers to request authorization.
Surrender or Transfer Stocks Before Effective Date
If a person is unwilling or unable to obtain a Schedule I registration, they must surrender or transfer all quantities of 4‑FA to a DEA‑registered person before the effective date of February 17, 2026, and dispose of 4‑FA in accordance with 21 CFR part 1317 and other applicable laws. Retail sales of Schedule I substances to the general public are not allowed under the CSA.
New Handling Controls: Security, Records, Inventories
As a Schedule I substance, 4‑FA is subject to Schedule I security requirements, labeling and packaging rules, manufacturing quotas, initial and biennial inventories (initial inventory on the date the registrant first handles controlled substances; inventory thereafter every two years), recordkeeping and reporting, order form requirements, and import/export controls as specified by the CSA and 21 CFR parts cited in the rule.
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