Proposed rule · 2026-13825

Designation of Phenethyl Halides as List I Chemicals

The Drug Enforcement Administration is proposing the control of phenethyl halides as list I chemicals under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Phenethyl halides are important to the illicit manufacture of fentanyl, as well as fentanyl analogues, and fentanyl- related substances as they are often used in synthetic routes to manufacture these substances. Further, in the respective synthetic routes in which they are used to manufacture fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and fentanyl-related substances, various phenethyl halides, such as phenethyl bromide and phenethyl chloride, can be substituted for each other. If finalized, the proposed rule would subject handlers of phenethyl halides to the chemical regulatory provisions of the CSA and its implementing regulations. This proposed rulemaking does not establish a threshold for domestic and international transactions of phenethyl halides. As such, all transactions of phenethyl halides regardless of size or concentration, shall be regulated and would be subject to control under the CSA.