DEA Bans New Chemical Twists Used to Cook Fentanyl Predecessors
Published Date: 8/3/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Drug Enforcement Administration is proposing to modify the listing of the list I chemical 3,4-MDP-2-P methyl glycidic acid (also known as PMK glycidic acid) to include esters of 3,4-MDP-2-P methyl glycidic acid, not listed elsewhere in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), as list I chemicals under the CSA. The current listing of 3,4- MDP-2-P methyl glycidic acid includes its salts, optical and geometric isomers, and salts of isomers. DEA proposes the new listing to read as follows: 3,4-MDP-2-P methyl glycidic acid (PMK glycidic acid) and its esters, not listed elsewhere in the CSA, its optical and geometric isomers, its salts, salts of its optical and geometric isomers, salts of its esters, not listed elsewhere in the CSA, and any combination thereof, whenever the existence of such is possible.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Seven Esters Added to List I
DEA proposes to add esters of 3,4-MDP-2-P methyl glycidic acid (PMK glycidic acid) — specifically the ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, and tert-butyl esters — to the List I chemical listing. If finalized, these esters, when not already listed elsewhere in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), would be treated as List I chemicals and subject to CSA controls upon publication of the final rule.
Registration, Reporting, and Penalties
If finalized, persons who manufacture, distribute, import, or export these esters must obtain DEA registration and comply with recordkeeping, reporting, import/export rules, security requirements, and allow administrative inspections; unauthorized activities may result in civil or criminal penalties. Annual registration fees identified in the proposal are $3,699 for manufacturers and $1,850 for distributors/importers/exporters; DEA proposes a temporary exemption from the registration requirement if a properly completed application is received on or before 30 days after publication of a final rule, but recordkeeping and reporting become effective on the final rule's effective date.
Any Quantity or Mixture Regulated
DEA proposes that chemical mixtures containing any amount of the esters of 3,4-MDP-2-P methyl glycidic acid (not listed elsewhere in the CSA) would not be exempt at any concentration. All transactions of such esters or mixtures, regardless of size or concentration, would be regulated unless a manufacturer obtains a DEA exemption under 21 CFR 1310.13.
Chemical-Mixture Exemption Route Exists
Manufacturers may apply for an exemption of a chemical mixture under 21 CFR 1310.13; DEA may grant an exemption by final rule if it determines the mixture cannot be readily used to make illicit controlled substances and the listed chemical cannot be readily recovered. This provides a formal—but discretionary—path to avoid regulation for mixtures that DEA accepts for exemption.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11526, Implementation of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention That Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018: Dispensing and Administering Controlled Substances for Medication-Assisted Treatment
Starting July 9, 2026, new rules make it easier for doctors and pharmacies to provide medicine that helps people recover from opioid addiction. These changes affect healthcare providers by expanding who can give medication-assisted treatment and how pharmacies can deliver these medicines. The goal? Faster, safer access to treatment with clear rules that save time and support recovery.
2026-10128, Revision of Applications for Manufacturing and Procurement Quotas
The DEA wants to update how companies apply for permission to make and buy certain controlled drugs and chemicals. These changes will make the rules clearer, help prevent drug shortages, and ensure enough supply for medical and scientific needs. If you’re a manufacturer or involved in this process, get ready to follow new steps and share your thoughts by July 20, 2026.
2026-15328, Joan Rubinger, N.P.; Decision and Order
2026-15199, Kerri Zavota, DVM; Decision and Order
2026-15201, Gene M. Koop, D.D.S.; Decision and Order
2026-14286, Importer of Controlled Substances Application: Catalent Greenville, Inc.
Catalent Greenville, Inc. wants to become an official importer of some powerful controlled substances, including LSD and related drugs. People and companies involved with these drugs can share their thoughts or ask for a hearing by August 17, 2026. This move could impact how these substances enter the U.S., but no costs or fees are mentioned yet.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15614, Section 898(c) Transition Rule for Allocating Foreign Taxes and Section 960(d)(4) Foreign Tax Credit Disallowance
This document contains proposed regulations that relate to allocating foreign taxes of foreign corporations affected by the repeal of the one-month deferral election and to the disallowance of foreign tax credits on certain distributions of previously taxed earnings and profits. The proposed regulations would affect taxpayers that operate in foreign countries through certain foreign corporations and taxpayers that claim the foreign tax credit.
Next: 2026-15657, Amendment of Class D and Class E Airspace; Morgantown, WV: Withdrawal
This action withdraws the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that the FAA published in the Federal Register on July 8, 2026, proposing to amend Class D and Class E airspace at Morgantown, WV. The FAA has determined that withdrawal of that NPRM is warranted as new airspace data have been received which significantly changed the requirements for the proposed airspace. The FAA expects to publish a new NPRM to amend the Class D and Class E airspace at Morgantown, WV, after assessing the new data.