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Application forms and guidelines

Guidance for completing export permit applications for narcotic and psychotropic substances

The importation of narcotic and psychotropic substances subject to regulation 10 of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958 is prohibited unless the importer holds a licence and permit issued by the Office of Chemical Safety (OCS).

Guidance for completing export permit applications for narcotic and psychotropic substances (PDF 46 KB)

Application for a permit to export narcotic, psychotropic and precursor substances (PDF 294 KB)

Application for a permit to export narcotic, psychotropic and precursor substances (Word 335 KB)

Introduction

The exportation of narcotic, psychotropic and precursor substances subject to regulation 10 and 10A of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958 is prohibited unless the importer holds a licence and permit issued by the Office of Chemical Safety (OCS). A permit is required for each consignment that is exported whereas licenses are issued annually. Information on obtaining a licence is available separately from the OCS website.

The substances subject to these export controls are listed in Schedule 8 of the regulations. The OCS has also prepared lists of controlled substances which are available from the Department of Health and Ageing's website to assist in identifying drug substances that are prohibited exports and subject to licensing/permitting requirements.

For further information regarding the export controls of substances listed in Schedule 9 of the regulations please consult the OCS guidance document "Guidance for completing applications for a licence to export precursor substances / Pre-export notification for a precursor substance".

To apply for a permit to export controlled substances the application form titled "Application for a permit to export narcotic and psychotropic substances" must be submitted to the OCS. The guidance provided here will assist you in completing and submitting the application form.

Completing the form

The table below will assist you in identifying the required information for completing the permit application form.

Part of application form	Explanation of required information
Check box for “Raw Material” or “Finished Goods”
	Check one box to indicate whether the controlled substance you are proposing to export is a raw material (for example a bulk substance for further manufacturing) or a finished good (for example a pharmaceutical preparation).
1. Exporter information
Licence holder’s name	Permits to export controlled substances can only be issued to exporters who hold a licence to export substances covered by Regulation 10 and 10A of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958. State the name of the licence holder.
Company name	State your company’s name
Company address	State the physical address to be displayed on the export permit
Postal address	State the postal address to which you would like the export permit sent. Permits will be sent by normal mail unless an express post envelope accompanies the application.
Export establishment ID No.	Each establishment that has a licence to export is given a unique identifier by the OCS, for example RN123 or CV987. State your export establishment ID number if known.
Export licence number	State your export licence number which can be found on your licence issued by the OCS.
Point of exit	The planned exit point for the export out of Australia. Specify port city and state.
Approximate date of export	Indicate the expected export date for the consignment if the export permit is issued. If the exact date is not known, provide the approximate time period.
2. Importer Information
Overseas importer’s full name	State the full name of the overseas importer
Overseas importer’s address	State the physical address of the overseas importer to be displayed on the export permit
Import establishment ID No.	Each overseas importer is given a unique identifier by the OCS, for example O12345. State the import establishment ID number if known.
Import authorisation No.	Narcotic and psychotropic substances that are subject to control under the international drug treaties cannot be exported from a country without the prior approval of the competent authority in the receiving country. State the import authorisation number listed on the authorisation issued by the competent authority in the destination country. The original copy of the import authorisation issued by the competent authority in the destination country must be provided with the export permit application to OCS. If required, this will be returned with the issued export permit.
Point of entry	Indicate the port, city and state/region in the importing country where you propose that the shipment would be landed.
Mode of transport	Specify whether the shipment will be transported to Australia by sea or air.
3. Substance Details
Description of Goods	The description should include the controlled substance name of the goods being exported. Tradenames should also be included for finished goods. For example “Morphine Sulphate Injection”.
Concentration/Strength	Indicate the concentration/strength of the controlled substance e.g. Raw Material: for assayable substances include the assay amount i.e. 98% Finished goods: show the amount of controlled substance in the preparation, for example X mg/mL for liquids or Y mg/tablet for tablet products. The concentration should be in metric units.
Form of substance	Indicate the form of the finished goods, for example tablets, capsules, vials, ampoules etc.
Pack type and size	Provide details on the pack type and the size Raw material: for example, 25 kg drum Finished goods: for example; 24 tablet blister pack; 100 mL bottle; box of 100 tablets; box of 6 x 2 mL ampoules.
Total number of packs in shipment	Specify the total number of packs (as defined above) that make up the proposed shipment. For example 25 packs of 24 tablets; 100 bottles of 100 mL; 1000 boxes of 100 tablets, 250 boxes of ampoules.
Drug code	This is an identifier assigned to specific substances and preparations by the OCS. State the drug code if you know it.
CAS No.	The Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry number is a unique number assigned to chemical compounds. Please include this number if this is the first time you have applied for a permit for these goods.
4. Declaration and Consent
	Make sure you read and understand the declaration and consent. Sign the application form. Complete the contact details of the person signing the form. The form must be signed by the licence holder or a person that the licence holder has authorised in writing to make applications under the licence.

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Submitting an application

You can submit your application in the following ways:

Mail
Drug Import/Export Licensing and Compliance
Office of Chemical Safety
GPO Box 9848 (MDP 88)
Canberra ACT 2601

The OCS endeavours to process applications for permits within 30 working days from the date of receipt. While a very high proportion of applications are processed within this target timeframe, there will be times where high demand for permits may result in slightly longer processing times. Applications forms that contain incomplete or incorrect information will be returned to you for amendment, resulting in delays in processing.

It is the responsibility of the exporter to ensure that the triplicate copy of the permit is endorsed by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the exporter at the time of exportation.

It is responsibility of the exporter to return the endorsed triplicate copy to the OCS no later than 5 working days after the exportation has occurred. Failure to comply with this condition may result in cancellation of export licenses.

EXP_GUID_1 v2.1 Revised June 2012