Federal Register #DEA-1395

DEA regulates P2P methyl glycidic acid as List I chemical; State Department exempts first responders from passport fees

This summary covers recent regulatory actions by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of State:

• Government Buyer

  • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Department of Justice
  • Department of State (for passport fee exemption)

• OEMs and Vendors

  • No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named; the DEA is the regulatory authority.

• Products/Services Requested

  • Product: P2P methyl glycidic acid (2-methyl-3-phenyloxirane-2-carboxylic acid), including its esters, isomers, and salts
  • Part Number: P2P methyl glycidic acid
  • Quantity: Not specified (regulatory control, not procurement)
  • Description: Chemical precursor used in illicit manufacture of phenylacetone (P2P), methamphetamine, and amphetamine
  • Service: Passport fee exemption for first responders
  • Applies to Urban Search and Rescue Teams (approx. 200 members each)
  • Processed by Department of State's Special Issuance Agency

• Unique or Notable Requirements

  • All handlers of P2P methyl glycidic acid and related compounds must register with the DEA and comply with Controlled Substances Act regulations
  • All transactions and mixtures containing any quantity are regulated; no threshold for exemption
  • Exemption applications for chemical mixtures must follow DEA procedures
  • Passport fee exemption applies only to first responders under government contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements for disaster relief abroad

• Locations

  • DEA Headquarters (United States)
  • Urban Search and Rescue Teams (federal facilities, United States)

• Additional Notes

  • The rule targets chemicals used in illicit drug manufacturing
  • Nine domestic suppliers of P2P methyl glycidic acid identified, but no specific commercial manufacturers listed

Description

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is finalizing the control of 2-methyl-3-phenyloxirane-2-carboxylic acid (P2P methyl glycidic acid) and its related compounds as a List I chemical under the Controlled Substances Act. This chemical is used in the illicit manufacture of phenylacetone (P2P), methamphetamine, and amphetamine, making it important to regulate. The final rule subjects handlers of this chemical to regulatory provisions, requiring registration and compliance with DEA controls. The rule becomes effective on May 4, 2026, and all transactions involving this chemical, regardless of quantity, are regulated.

View original listing