NACOC orders mandatory registration for dealers in controlled chemicals and equipment

Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has issued a directive requiring all individuals, businesses, and institutions involved with precursor chemicals, psychotropic substances, and controlled equipment to register by July 31, 2026. This mandatory registration, mandated by the Narcotics Control Commission Act of 2020, applies to every operator within the supply chain.

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The registration is mandatory under the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), and applies to all operators in the supply chain.

Operators must secure the necessary licenses and authorizations for activities such as importation, exportation, manufacturing, production, distribution, wholesale, retail, sale, storage, transportation, or brokerage of these substances. The directive extends to laboratories, research institutions, industries, and educational facilities that utilize the specified substances or equipment.

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Anyone involved in the importation, exportation, manufacture, production, distribution, wholesale, retail, sale, storage, transportation or brokerage of the substances must obtain the required licence and authorisation before starting or continuing operations.

NACOC states that this nationwide registration effort is crucial for bolstering the monitoring and regulation of these controlled materials. The commission believes this will foster lawful use, prevent their diversion into the illicit production of narcotic drugs, and ultimately improve both national security and public safety. Furthermore, it ensures compliance with Ghanaian laws and international obligations.

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The nationwide registration exercise is aimed at strengthening the monitoring and regulation of precursor chemicals, psychotropic substances and controlled equipment.

Existing operators are reminded to renew any expired licenses and maintain valid registrations. NACOC warns that operating without the required registration, license, or authorization constitutes a breach of the law, potentially leading to administrative, civil, or criminal sanctions. The commission also listed specific controlled equipment subject to registration, including encapsulating and tableting machines, rotary evaporators, and various laboratory apparatus.

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Anyone operating without the required registration, licence or authorisation would be in breach of the law and could face administrative, civil or criminal sanctions under the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019).