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Application forms and guidelines

Guidance for exporting precursor substances

Substances listed in Schedule 9 of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations.

PDF printable version of Guidance for completing applications for a licence to export precursor substance (PDF 64 KB)

Application for a licence to export precursor substances (PDF 341 KB)
Application for a licence to export precursor substances (Word 369 KB)

Introduction

In this document the term “precursor substance” refers to substances listed in Schedule 9 of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958.

The exportation of the following precursor substances is controlled under the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958, Regulation 10A, 10AB and 10AC:

Chemical (HS code for pure substance)	Concentrations/volumes that are controlled exports
Acetic anhydride (2915.24)	Neat and in solutions or mixtures containing at least 90%. No minimum consignment volume.
Acetone (2914.11)	Neat and in mixtures at a concentration of at least 90%, when exported in a consignment volume of >100 litres
Ethyl ether (2909.11)	Neat and in mixtures at a concentration of at least 90%, when exported in a consignment volume of >100 litres
Hydrochloric acid (2806.10)	Solutions and in mixtures containing at least 30% HCl, when exported in a consignment volume of >100 litres
Methyl ethyl ketone (2914.12)	Neat and in mixtures at a concentration of at least 90%, when exported in a consignment volume of >100 litres
Piperidine (2933.32)	Neat and in mixtures at a concentration of at least 90%, when exported in a consignment volume of >100 litres
Potassium permanganate (2841.61)	Crystals, solutions, mixtures or powders containing at least 90%. No minimum consignment volume.
Sulphuric acid (2807.00)	Solutions and in mixtures containing at least 90% H2SO4, when exported in a consignment volume of >100 litres
Toluene (2902.30)	Neat and in mixtures at a concentration of at least 90%, when exported in a consignment volume of >100 litres

The export of the chemicals in Column 1 of the above table in concentrations and volumes exceeding those listed in Column 2 is prohibited unless the exporter holds a licence to export and has submitted a pre-export notification (PEN) for the consignment.

You should be aware that the export of acetic anhydride to Afghanistan is absolutely prohibited in accordance with regulation 13CJ of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958.

Export licences are normally issued for a period of 3 years. Pre-export notifications (PENs) apply to individual consignments and must be submitted to the Office of Chemical Safety (OCS) at least 5 days prior to the export of an individual consignment that would otherwise be a prohibited export. The submission of a PEN by the exporter allows the Australian Government to notify the competent authority in the importing country of the proposed transaction prior to the dispatch of any goods. The importing country has an opportunity to verify the legitimacy of the import and if necessary seek further information or request that the shipment be stopped.

To apply for a licence to export precursor substances (substances in schedule 9 of the Customs Regulations) the form titled "Application for a licence to export precursor substances" must be submitted to the OCS. The guidance provided here will assist you in completing and submitting the application form.

To submit a pre-export notification (PEN) the form titled "Pre-export notification for a precursor substance" must be submitted to the OCS. The guidance provided here will assist you in completing and submitting the form.

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Completing the licence form

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

Part of application form	Explanation of required information
1. Exporter information
Licence to export precursor substances	Check one box to indicate if this is a new application or a renewal of an existing application.
Name of company/organisation	Provide the full name of the company/business name that the licence holder represents.
ABN/ACN	State the Australian Business or Company Number
Company address	This should be the physical address of the establishment that the licence will be issued to.
Postal address	The address to which correspondence in relation to this licence should be sent. If this is the same as the business address then check the box.
Storage address	The physical address where precursor chemicals that will be exported under the licence are stored (if different from the business address).
2. Business details
Description of business	State what type of business you are involved in. For example: manufacturing raw materials, manufacturing certain products, export or wholesaling.
Reason for export of precursor substances	If the substances are exported for use by a specific type of industry or in a particular application, please specify.
Agent’s name and address	State the name and address of any agent that you intend to use to facilitate the export process.
3. Substances to be exported
	Use the checkboxes to specify which of the controlled precursor substances you intend to export.
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.

Completing a pre-export notification form

The table below will assist you in identifying the required information for completing the pre-export notification form.

Part of application form	Explanation of required information
1. Exporter information
Company name	Provide the full name of the company/business name that the licence holder represents.
Company address	This should be the physical address of the establishment that the licence will be issued to.
Export Licence No.	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 date when you expect the consignment to be shipped from Australia. If the exact date is not known, provide the approximate time period.
2. Importer Information
Overseas importer’s full name	Provide the full name of the overseas establishment that you will be exporting to.
Overseas importer’s address	Provide the address of the overseas establishment that you will be exporting to.
Country of import	State the final destination country for the export consignment.
Point of entry	The planned entry point for the shipment to the importing country. Specify port city and state.
Approximate date of import	Specify the date that the export consignment is expected to reach the final destination. If the exact date is not known, provide the approximate time period.
3. Transaction Details
Mode of transport	Specify whether the shipment will be transported out of Australia by sea or air.
Transhipment route	If the consignment will be shipped via another country on the way to its final destination, please specify details of the route.
4. Substance Details
Name of substance to be exported	Check one box to specify which of the controlled precursor substances will be exported under this notification. You can only specify one substance. A separate form is required for each consignment.
Concentration/Strength	Indicate the concentration/strength of the controlled substance. For essentially pure substances, indicate the assay if known or indicate that it is the “neat” substance. For mixtures or solutions show the amount of the precursor substance in the preparation. For example X% by weight or Y grams per litre.
Pack type and size	Provide details of the pack type and the size. For example, 25 kg drum or 10 L bottle or 1000 L tank
Total number of packs in shipment	Specify the total number of packs (as defined above) that make up the proposed shipment. For example 25 drums, 100 bottles. The Office of Chemical Safety should be able to clearly establish the total amount of precursor substance that is intended to be exported.
5. Declaration and Consent
	Make sure you read and understand the declaration and consent. Sign the application form. Complete the name and date.

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Submitting an application for a licence or a pre-export notification

You can submit your application in the following ways:

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

Fax
02 6289 2500

Email
tmu

Applications for licenses take up to 30 days to process.

Where a pre-export notification is required for a specific shipment, the form must be submitted at least 5 days before the expected date of export.

Forms that contain incomplete or incorrect information will be returned to you for amendment, resulting in delays in processing.

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Frequently asked questions about the export of precursor substances

What is a precursor substance?

For the purposes of this discussion, a "precursor substance" refers to substances listed in Schedule 9 of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958. These are:
Acetic anhydride
Acetone
Ethyl ether
Hydrochloric acid
Methyl ethyl ketone
Piperidine
Potassium permanganate
Sulphuric acid
Toluene

Why is the export of these substances regulated?

In 1992, Australia ratified the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988. This involved a commitment by Australia to regulate the use and movement of chemicals that are commonly used in the manufacture of illicit drugs.

How long does it take to get an export licence?

Applications for licences take up to 30 working days to process.

If a pre-export notification is required for my shipment, when does this need to be submitted?

Pre-export notifications must be submitted to the OCS at least 5 working days before the intended date of export.

What will happen if I attempt to export these chemicals without having a licence and submitting a pre-export notification (where required)?

Where a licence or pre-export notification is required in accordance with the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations it is a breach of those regulations to export without having a licence or providing a notification. The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service will seize goods where attempts are made to export them in breach of regulations.

Can I export more than the quantity stated in a pre-export notification?

No. The amount of substance cannot be greater than the amount specified in the PEN and it can only be exported to the country specified in the PEN.

Do I require an export licence if I wish to export mixtures of chemicals?

A licence to export is not required if the goods to be exported contain a Schedule 9 precursor substance at a concentration of less than 90%, or in the case of hydrochloric acid at a concentration of less than 30%.

Do I require an export licence if I wish to export small quantities of chemicals?

A licence to export is not required if the goods (other than potassium permanganate and acetic anhydride) to be exported have a volume of less than 100 litres. There is no minimum volume threshold for potassium permanganate and acetic anhydride exports and a licence (and pre-export notification) is required.

When can I export after submitting a pre-export notification to the OCS?

The consignment must be exported within 3 months of the date that the notification was received by the OCS. Remember that the notification must be received by the OCS at least 5 days before the intended export date.

What should I do when my export licence is due to expire?

You should apply for a new licence at least three weeks prior to your licence expiring.

What do I enter as the permit number into the Customs EXIT system?

Your export licence number should be entered into the EXIT system for export consignments of these chemicals.

EXP_GUID_2 v2.2 Revised June2012