US-China fentanyl cooperation deepens as Beijing tightens controls for precursor chemicals

Washington hails ‘valuable step forward’ following Chinese ministry’s announcement of three substances to be singled out from September 1

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Fentanyl precursors will be more tightly controlled, according to the US National Security Council. Photo: Reuters

Published: 1:35am, 7 Aug 2024Updated: 1:54am, 7 Aug 2024

Beijing is tightening its regulation and control of three chemicals used to produce fentanyl, Washington said on Tuesday, signalling closer bilateral cooperation in America’s push to stem a nationwide crisis.

A US National Security Council spokesman hailed China’s decision subjecting key precursor chemicals to the potent synthetic opioid to greater control as “a valuable step forward”.

China’s Ministry of Public Security on Monday stated that three substances would be managed under the regulation for chemical auxiliary substances that may be used to produce drugs starting on September 1.

The substances named in the ministry’s announcement were fentanyl precursors known as 4-AP, 1-Boc-4-AP and norfentanyl.

Almost 75,000 people died from fentanyl overdoses last year, making it a leading cause of death for Americans younger than 45. The US has called China a “primary source” of ingredients used in producing fentanyl, but Beijing has long denied any involvement.

According to the applicable Chinese regulation, those who produce such precursors should report their production and sales details including the type and quantity of chemicals as well as major sales flows to local authorities within 30 days of operation.