DEA Notice: Research Triangle Institute Application to Import Schedule I and II Controlled Substances for NIDA-Funded Research

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has published a notice that Research Triangle Institute (RTI), located in Durham, North Carolina, filed an application on March 3, 2026 to become a registered importer of a broad range of Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances. The application covers over 200 distinct drug codes spanning stimulants, opioids, hallucinogens, synthetic cannabinoids, benzodiazepine analogs, cathinones, fentanyl analogs, and dissociative drugs. The purpose of this registration is to support small-quantity importation exclusively for research activities funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). No commercial sale, distribution, or importation of FDA-approved or non-approved finished dosage forms is authorized under this application. Registered bulk manufacturers of the affected substance classes, as well as other applicants, may submit electronic comments or objections through the federal rulemaking portal at regulations.gov, or file a written request for a hearing, on or before May 1, 2026. All hearing requests must be directed to the DEA Hearing Clerk/OALJ and the DEA Federal Register Representative at 8701 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, Virginia. Approval of the permit will only be granted if RTI's business activities remain consistent with the authorization under 21 U.S.C. 952(a)(2), which governs the importation of controlled substances for legitimate scientific and research purposes.

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