The European Union needs stronger tools to prevent chemicals from being diverted into illegal drug production without creating unnecessary obstacles for legitimate businesses, researchers and other lawful users, ECR MEP Nicolas Bay said following today’s joint committee vote in the International Trade Committee (INTA) and the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee (LIBE) on new rules for drug precursors.

The legislation, led by Bay in the INTA Committee, updates the EU framework for substances that can be used in the manufacture of illegal drugs. It strengthens controls where the risk of diversion is high, while seeking to keep legitimate trade and research moving.

Bay said:

“Criminal networks adapt quickly, and our rules have to be able to keep up. We need to close the gaps that allow chemicals to be diverted into illegal drug production before they reach criminal laboratories.

“We are extending controls to new categories of high-risk substances, including so-called designer precursors, and giving national authorities more scope to react when new threats emerge. Online marketplaces will also have responsibilities to check sellers and remove listings that do not comply with the rules.”

Bay added:

“The answer cannot be to treat every chemical company, laboratory or trader as a suspect. The rules have to focus on real risks and real criminal behaviour, while allowing legitimate businesses and researchers to operate without unnecessary bureaucracy.”

He continued:

“We also worked to keep the framework aligned with international standards and with existing customs rules. If controls are clear and consistent, authorities can act faster and businesses know exactly what is expected of them.”

ECR Shadow Rapporteur in the LIBE Committee Paolo Inselvini focused in particular on substances circulating within the Single Market that present a high risk of being diverted into illegal drug production.

Inselvini said:

“The most dangerous loophole is not always at the external border. High-risk substances can also move within the Single Market, and authorities need to be able to identify suspicious transactions before they disappear into criminal supply chains.”

He added:

“Controls should be strongest where the risk is highest. That means paying particular attention to substances with a clear potential for misuse, while avoiding blanket restrictions that would penalise agriculture, industry or scientific research that have nothing to do with the illegal drugs trade.”

The ECR MEPs also pushed back against attempts to impose a uniform EU sanctions regime. They believe sanctions should remain proportionate and that Member States must retain their responsibilities in criminal law.