DEA Slaps Schedule I on 5,6-Dichloro Brorphine and Freaky Kin
Published Date: 8/27/2026
Rule
Summary
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issues this temporary order to schedule 1-(1-(1-(4-bromophenyl)ethyl)piperidin-4- yl)-5,6-dichloro-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-one (commonly known as 5,6-dichloro brorphine or SR-14968); 5,6-dichloro-1-(1-(4- chlorobenzyl)piperidin-4-yl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-one (commonly known as 5,6-dichloro desmethylchlorphine or SR-17018); 3-(3- (1-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H- benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)propanenitrile (commonly known as N-propionitrile chlorphine or cychlorphine); and 8-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl)-1-phenyl- 1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-4-one (commonly known as spirochlorphine or R-6890), including their isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers, whenever the existence of such isomers, esters, ethers, and salts is possible, to schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act. DEA bases this action on a finding that placing 5,6-dichloro brorphine, 5,6-dichloro desmethylchlorphine, N- propionitrile chlorphine, and spirochlorphine in schedule I is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to public safety. This order imposes the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis, or possess) or propose to handle these substances.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 2 mixed.
Four synthetic opioids placed in Schedule I
The DEA temporarily places 5,6-dichloro brorphine, 5,6-dichloro desmethylchlorphine, N-propionitrile chlorphine, and spirochlorphine (including their isomers, esters, ethers, and salts) in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act effective August 27, 2026 through August 27, 2028 (with a possible one-year extension). This subjects these substances to all Schedule I controls and sanctions to avoid an imminent hazard to public safety.
Possession becomes unlawful and prosecutable
Starting August 27, 2026, possession of any quantity of these four substances in a manner not authorized by the CSA is unlawful and persons in possession may be subject to prosecution, administrative, civil, or criminal sanctions.
Handlers must register with DEA
Any person who handles (manufactures, distributes, reverse distributes, imports, exports, engages in research, conducts instructional activities or chemical analysis, or possesses) these substances must be registered with DEA pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 822, 823, 957, and 958 and 21 CFR parts 1301 and 1312 as of August 27, 2026; unregistered handlers must submit applications and may not continue handling the substances unless DEA approves registration.
Existing Schedule I researchers get 90 days
If, on August 27, 2026, a person is conducting research on these substances and already is registered to conduct research with another Schedule I substance, they may continue research provided they submit a completed application or modification to register for these substances no later than 90 calendar days after August 27, 2026; continuation is allowed only until the application is withdrawn or an order to show cause is served.
Immediate compliance rules and 30‑day deadlines
Current DEA registrants possessing these substances must comply with Schedule I security, labeling and packaging, inventory, recordkeeping, reporting, and order form requirements as of August 27, 2026; registrants have 30 calendar days from August 27, 2026 to comply with labeling/packaging, inventory, and recordkeeping requirements and must thereafter perform biennial inventories and meet ongoing reporting and record rules.
Surrender stock if you won’t or can’t register
Any person who does not desire or is unable to obtain a Schedule I registration to handle these substances must surrender all currently held quantities of these substances.
Manufacturing limited to registered firms with quotas
Manufacture of these substances generally will be allowed only by DEA-registered manufacturers and only in accordance with a quota assigned under 21 U.S.C. 826 and 21 CFR part 1303, effective August 27, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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