China issues notice to curb diversion of 8 precursor chemicals

China has called for preventing eight chemicals from being diverted into illegal channels for drug production, as synthetic drug-related risks continue to spread globally, the Office of the China National Narcotics Control Commission said on Friday.

The office listed the eight chemicals in a public notice, reminding companies and individuals involved in their trade to strictly comply with Chinese and foreign laws and regulations when conducting business and export activities.

The office noted that transnational criminal groups have been updating drug-making methods and seeking non-scheduled chemicals to evade law enforcement, making the diversion of such substances a growing challenge in international drug control.

It urged relevant businesses and individuals to follow previous warning notices issued by the office in August 2019, November 2023 and November 2025, enhance legal awareness, and guard against legal risks.