Establishing a list of fentanyl-related substances, a list of synthetic non-fentanyl opioids and a list for benzodiazepines and related new psychoactive substances all with no known legitimate uses
In June 2018, the Board established the first-ever list of fentanyl-related substances (FRS) with no known legitimate medical or industrial uses. This followed a thorough review of fentanyl-related substances which had been reported as being encountered in illicit internet sales, trafficked or seized, in toxicology, or related incident reports. The list is a practical tool in which to inform Governments, investigators and frontline officers, and industry partners and to facilitate actions to counter their manufacture, marketing, movement and monetization.
The Board, through E/INCB/PRE/C.L. 15/2018 and subsequent circular letters, invited all relevant Government authorities, and through them, industry partners, to refrain on a voluntary basis from any manufacture, marketing, import, export or distribution of the substances on the list, beyond limited research and analytical purposes.
Building on the success of this practical tool, INCB developed and disseminated in December 2021 through circular letter E/INCB/SI/C.L. 152/21, another list of synthetic non-fentanyl opioids (NoFOs) and related emerging substances with no known legitimate uses. Again, the Board invites all relevant Government authorities, and through them, industry partners, to refrain on a voluntary basis from any manufacture, marketing, import, export or distribution of the substances on the list, beyond limited research and analytical purposes.
In a continued effort to address emerging challenges, INCB developed and shared in November 2023, through circular letter E/INCB/SI/C.L. 17/23, a list focusing on benzodiazepines and related new psychoactive substances devoid of known legitimate uses. The Board extends an invitation to relevant Government authorities and, by extension, industry partners to consider voluntary refrainment from activities such as manufacturing, marketing, import, export, or distribution of the substances outlined in the list, unless explicitly for limited research and analytical purposes.
Without identified legitimate purposes, these compilations serve as valuable tools for Governments to initiate necessary interdiction measures and foster collaboration within the industry. Should Governments uncover any legitimate medical or industrial applications of these substances, such as through assessments for national controls, the encouragement is extended to promptly share all pertinent information with INCB. The commitment to keeping both lists up-to-date remains unwavering, ensuring their relevance in the face of evolving illicit markets and the continuous influx of new information.
Click here to download the FRS list.
Click here to download the NoFOs list.
Click here to download the Benzodiazepines list.