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Controlled Substance Import/Export

What is a precursor chemical?

A precursor is a chemical substance used in the manufacture of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances (e.g., acetone, potassium permanganate), and its import is strictly controlled.

Do I need a permit for all psychotropic medicines?

Yes, if the substance is listed in the special control lists (List II, III), prior permission from the Regulatory Agency is mandatory for import.

What is the penalty for importing without a permit?

Unauthorized import of controlled substances is classified as smuggling and is punishable by imprisonment under Georgian Criminal Code.

How to apply for an import quota?

Quota requests are submitted to the Regulatory Agency at the beginning of each year, justifying the required quantity based on production plans or medical needs.

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Controlled Substance Import/Export: Licensing and Permits

The import, export, and transit of substances subject to special control (narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursors) in Georgia are strictly regulated. This field affects not only pharmaceutical companies but also chemical industries, laboratories, and industrial enterprises that use precursors (e.g., acetone, sulfuric acid) in production. Moving such cargo without a permit is considered smuggling and leads to criminal liability. The licensing process involves not only preparing documentation but also adhering to warehouse security standards and obtaining quotas. Assistance from a lawyer is necessary to accurately determine the substance's status (according to the "Lists") and avoid severe legal consequences.

What Does This Service Cover?

Specialists on Legal.ge offer full legal support in the process of trading controlled substances:

  • Substance Identification: Checking the product composition and determining whether it falls into List I, II, III, or IV (prohibited or restricted substances).
  • Import/Export Permit: Obtaining a single-use permit from the Agency for Regulation of Medical and Pharmaceutical Activities for each shipment.
  • Preliminary Agreement: Managing the pre-notification procedure between the competent authorities of the importing and exporting countries during international trade.
  • Quota Management: Requesting and approving an annual quota for the import of a specific substance (based on state needs).
  • Warehouse Licensing: Setting up and obtaining a permit for a warehouse to store controlled substances (security, alarm systems, bars).
  • Transit Permit: Obtaining a permit for transit movement through the territory of Georgia.

Common Situations When You Need a Lawyer

Mistakes in this field are unacceptable. You need a lawyer if:

  • Precursor Import: You are importing a chemical substance for paint or glue production, which turned out to be a precursor and was detained at customs.
  • Pharmaceutical Raw Materials: You need to import an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) containing a controlled component for drug manufacturing.
  • Quota Exhaustion: You exhausted your approved quota during the year and need to negotiate additional volume.
  • Documentation Errors: The exporting country's permit does not match Georgian requirements, delaying customs clearance.
  • Medical Institution: A clinic needs legal circulation and storage of narcotic drugs (morphine, fentanyl).

Georgian Legal Framework

The main law is the "Law on Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, Precursors and Narcological Assistance." Import/export rules are outlined in the "Law on Licenses and Permits" and relevant orders of the Minister of Health. Substance lists (I-IV) are approved by Georgian law, based on UN conventions.

Process: How Collaboration with a Specialist Works

The process includes:

  1. Audit: Checking the CAS number and chemical composition against the lists.
  2. Preparation: Analyzing the contract, invoice, and exporter's permit.
  3. Application: Sending the permit request to the Regulatory Agency.
  4. Security: Checking warehouse and transportation conditions.
  5. Reporting: Mandatory reporting on turnover after import.

Why Choose Legal.ge?

Operating with controlled substances involves high risks. Legal.ge gives you access to lawyers experienced in this specific field. With our help, you can legally conduct import-export, avoid criminal risks, and ensure business continuity. Find an expert on Legal.ge.

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