Designation of P2P Methyl Glycidic Acid as a List I Chemical

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) finalizes the designation of 2-methyl-3-phenyloxirane-2-carboxylic acid (P2P methyl glycidic acid, also known as BMK glycidic acid), including its esters, optical and geometric isomers, salts, and combinations, as a List I chemical under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This chemical is critical for illicitly producing phenylacetone (P2P), methamphetamine, and amphetamine, with no legitimate industrial uses. The rule imposes full CSA regulatory controls on all handlers, with no thresholds for domestic or international transactions and no exemptions for chemical mixtures at any concentration. Effective May 4, 2026, handlers must register by that date to continue operations. This fulfills U.S. obligations under the 1988 UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs. The rulemaking followed a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on October 2, 2025, with a 30-day comment period, addressing three public comments. DEA certified minimal economic impact on small businesses, as only nine suppliers are affected (0.07% of relevant industries). No exemptions apply unless manufacturers apply under 21 CFR 1310.13 and DEA approves. Handlers face requirements for registration (separate for manufacturing, distributing, importing, exporting), recordkeeping, reporting, and import/export controls. Violations incur civil and criminal penalties. Warehousemen are exempt if in the usual course of business.

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