DEA Adds Four New Synthetic Opioids to Schedule I
Published Date: 7/1/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
Starting July 1, 2026, the DEA is temporarily putting four new substances—5,6-dichloro brorphine, 5,6-dichloro desmethylchlorphine, N-propionitrile chlorphine, and spirochlorphine—into Schedule I, the strictest drug category. This means anyone making, selling, or using these chemicals will face tough legal rules and penalties. The move helps keep these potentially dangerous drugs off the streets while the DEA studies them further.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary Schedule I listing for four opioids
The DEA intends to place four synthetic opioids (5,6-dichloro brorphine; 5,6-dichloro desmethylchlorphine; N-propionitrile chlorphine; and spirochlorphine) into Schedule I. When the temporary scheduling order is published (on or after July 31, 2026) these substances will be subject to the regulatory controls and the administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions that apply to Schedule I drugs, and that temporary control will last two years (with a possible one-year extension).
Possession, manufacture, and trade subject to sanctions
Once the DEA publishes the temporary scheduling order (on or after July 31, 2026), possessing, manufacturing, distributing, importing, or exporting these four named substances will be governed by the Schedule I controls and associated administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions. The temporary scheduling remains in effect for two years from the publication date, with a possible one-year extension.
Research and lab work now tightly restricted
If you engage in research, instructional activities, or chemical analysis involving these four substances, those activities will be subject to Schedule I regulatory controls and the associated administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions once the temporary order is published (on or after July 31, 2026). The temporary controls last for two years from publication, with a possible one-year extension while the government completes the regular scheduling process.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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