New licensing regime targets 13 key chemicals used in illicit fentanyl production

Beijing announced on Tuesday that it will require export licences for 13 specific chemicals that are commonly employed in the synthesis of fentanyl and its analogues. The move comes just weeks after senior officials from the United States and China met in Washington for a high‑level dialogue aimed at easing the diplomatic chill that has persisted for years.

The list, released by the Ministry of Commerce, includes substances such as N‑phenethyl‑4‑piperidone (NPP) and 4‑ANPP, both of which are considered “precursor chemicals” under international drug‑control conventions. Companies wishing to ship any of these items abroad will now have to submit a detailed application, undergo a risk‑assessment review, and obtain a formal licence before the goods can leave Chinese ports.

“We are committed to preventing the diversion of chemicals that can be used to manufacture deadly narcotics,” said Zhang Wei, spokesperson for the ministry. “At the same time, we must protect legitimate industrial and pharmaceutical users, so the licensing process will be transparent and proportionate.”

The United States welcomed the announcement, describing it as “a concrete step toward curbing the flood of fentanyl that is killing thousands of Americans each year.” A senior official from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) noted that the new rules could significantly reduce the volume of illicit fentanyl entering the U.S. market, provided they are fully enforced.

Experts say the policy reflects a broader shift in China’s approach to drug control. Since 2019, Beijing has gradually tightened regulations on a range of synthetic‑drug precursors, but the latest move is the first to tie the licensing requirement directly to a diplomatic outreach effort.

Analysts also view the development as a barometer of the improving U.S.–China relationship. After a series of high‑profile tensions over trade, technology, and security, both sides have signaled a willingness to cooperate on shared challenges, including the opioid crisis.

Nevertheless, critics caution that the effectiveness of the new regime will depend on rigorous enforcement and on the ability of customs officials to detect illicit shipments that might be disguised as legitimate trade. “Regulation on paper is only half the battle,” warned Dr. Li Ming, a specialist in international drug policy at Peking University.

As the licensing system rolls out in the coming months, the global community will be watching closely to see whether the tighter controls can stem the tide of fentanyl‑related deaths and further ease the diplomatic tensions between the world’s two largest economies.