81_FR_86102 81 FR 85873 - Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Furanyl Fentanyl Into Schedule I

81 FR 85873 - Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Furanyl Fentanyl Into Schedule I

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Drug Enforcement Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 229 (November 29, 2016)

Page Range85873-85877
FR Document2016-28693

The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is issuing this final order to temporarily schedule the synthetic opioid, N-(1-phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-N-phenylfuran-2-carboxamide (furanyl fentanyl), and its isomers, esters, ethers, salts and salts of isomers, esters and ethers, into schedule I pursuant to the temporary scheduling provisions of the Controlled Substances Act. This action is based on a finding by the Administrator that the placement of furanyl fentanyl into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. As a result of this order, the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances will be imposed on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or chemical analysis, or possess), or propose to handle, furanyl fentanyl.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 229 (Tuesday, November 29, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 229 (Tuesday, November 29, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 85873-85877]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-28693]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Drug Enforcement Administration

21 CFR Part 1308

[Docket No. DEA-448]


Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of 
Furanyl Fentanyl Into Schedule I

AGENCY: Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice.

ACTION: Final order.

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SUMMARY: The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is 
issuing this final order to temporarily schedule the synthetic opioid, 
N-(1-phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-N-phenylfuran-2-carboxamide (furanyl 
fentanyl), and its isomers, esters, ethers, salts and salts of isomers, 
esters and ethers, into schedule I pursuant to the temporary scheduling 
provisions of the Controlled Substances Act. This action is based on a 
finding by the Administrator that the placement of furanyl fentanyl 
into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act is necessary to avoid 
an imminent hazard to the public safety. As a result of this order, the 
regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions 
applicable to schedule I controlled substances will be imposed

[[Page 85874]]

on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse distribute, 
import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities or 
chemical analysis, or possess), or propose to handle, furanyl fentanyl.

DATES: This final order is effective on November 29, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael J. Lewis, Diversion Control 
Division, Drug Enforcement Administration; Mailing Address: 8701 
Morrissette Drive, Springfield, Virginia 22152; Telephone: (202) 598-
6812.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Legal Authority

    The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) implements and enforces 
titles II and III of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and 
Control Act of 1970, as amended. 21 U.S.C. 801-971. Titles II and III 
are referred to as the ``Controlled Substances Act'' and the 
``Controlled Substances Import and Export Act,'' respectively, and are 
collectively referred to as the ``Controlled Substances Act'' or the 
``CSA'' for the purpose of this action. The DEA publishes the 
implementing regulations for these statutes in title 21 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR), chapter II. The CSA and its implementing 
regulations are designed to prevent, detect, and eliminate the 
diversion of controlled substances and listed chemicals into the 
illicit market while ensuring an adequate supply is available for the 
legitimate medical, scientific, research, and industrial needs of the 
United States. Controlled substances have the potential for abuse and 
dependence and are controlled to protect the public health and safety.
    Under the CSA, every controlled substance is classified into one of 
five schedules based upon its potential for abuse, its currently 
accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and the degree 
of dependence the drug or other substance may cause. 21 U.S.C. 812. The 
initial schedules of controlled substances established by Congress are 
found at 21 U.S.C. 812(c), and the current list of all scheduled 
substances is published at 21 CFR part 1308.
    Section 201 of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811, provides the Attorney 
General with the authority to temporarily place a substance into 
schedule I of the CSA for two years without regard to the requirements 
of 21 U.S.C. 811(b) if she finds that such action is necessary to avoid 
an imminent hazard to the public safety. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1). In 
addition, if proceedings to control a substance are initiated under 21 
U.S.C. 811(a)(1), the Attorney General may extend the temporary 
scheduling for up to one year. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(2).
    Where the necessary findings are made, a substance may be 
temporarily scheduled if it is not listed in any other schedule under 
section 202 of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 812, or if there is no exemption or 
approval in effect for the substance under section 505 of the Federal 
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), 21 U.S.C. 355. 21 U.S.C. 
811(h)(1). The Attorney General has delegated her scheduling authority 
under 21 U.S.C. 811 to the Administrator of the DEA. 28 CFR 0.100.

Background

    Section 201(h)(4) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(4), requires the 
Administrator to notify the Secretary of the Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS) of his intention to temporarily place a substance 
into schedule I of the CSA.\1\ The Administrator transmitted the notice 
of intent to place furanyl fentanyl into schedule I on a temporary 
basis to the Assistant Secretary by letter dated June 22, 2016. The 
Assistant Secretary responded to this notice by letter dated July 8, 
2016, and advised that based on review by the Food and Drug 
Administration (FDA), there are currently no investigational new drug 
applications or approved new drug applications for furanyl fentanyl. 
The Assistant Secretary also stated that the HHS has no objection to 
the temporary placement of furanyl fentanyl into schedule I of the CSA. 
The DEA has taken into consideration the Assistant Secretary's comments 
as required by 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(4). Furanyl fentanyl is not currently 
listed in any schedule under the CSA, and no exemptions or approvals 
are in effect for furanyl fentanyl under section 505 of the FDCA, 21 
U.S.C. 355. The DEA has found that the control of furanyl fentanyl in 
schedule I on a temporary basis is necessary to avoid an imminent 
hazard to the public safety, and as required by 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1)(A), 
a notice of intent to temporarily schedule furanyl fentanyl was 
published in the Federal Register on September 27, 2016. 81 FR 66224.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ As discussed in a memorandum of understanding entered into 
by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institute 
on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the FDA acts as the lead agency within the HHS 
in carrying out the Secretary's scheduling responsibilities under 
the CSA, with the concurrence of NIDA. 50 FR 9518, Mar. 8, 1985. The 
Secretary of the HHS has delegated to the Assistant Secretary for 
Health of the HHS the authority to make domestic drug scheduling 
recommendations. 58 FR 35460, July 1, 1993.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To find that placing a substance temporarily into schedule I of the 
CSA is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety, the 
Administrator is required to consider three of the eight factors set 
forth in section 201(c) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(c): The substance's 
history and current pattern of abuse; the scope, duration and 
significance of abuse; and what, if any, risk there is to the public 
health. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(3). Consideration of these factors includes 
actual abuse, diversion from legitimate channels, and clandestine 
importation, manufacture, or distribution. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(3).
    A substance meeting the statutory requirements for temporary 
scheduling may only be placed into schedule I. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1). 
Substances in schedule I are those that have a high potential for 
abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United 
States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical 
supervision. 21 U.S.C. 812(b)(1). Available data and information for 
furanyl fentanyl, summarized below, indicate that this synthetic opioid 
has a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in 
treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use 
under medical supervision. The DEA's updated three-factor analysis, and 
the Assistant Secretary's July 8, 2016, letter, are available in their 
entirety under the tab ``Supporting Documents'' of the public docket of 
this action at www.regulations.gov under FDMS Docket ID: DEA-2016-0018 
(Docket Number DEA-448).

Factor 4. History and Current Pattern of Abuse

    The recreational abuse of fentanyl-like substances continues to be 
a significant concern. These substances are distributed to users with 
often unpredictable outcomes. Furanyl fentanyl has recently been 
encountered by law enforcement and public health officials and the 
adverse health effects and outcomes are documented in the scientific 
literature. The documented negative effects of furanyl fentanyl are 
consistent with those of other opioids. On October 1, 2014, the DEA 
implemented STARLiMS (a Web-based, commercial laboratory information 
management system) to replace the System to Retrieve Information from 
Drug Evidence (STRIDE) as its laboratory drug evidence data system of 
record. DEA laboratory data submitted after September 30, 2014, are 
reposited in STARLiMS; data from STRIDE and STARLiMS were queried on 
November 2, 2016. STARLiMS registered 113

[[Page 85875]]

reports containing furanyl fentanyl, all reported in 2016, from 
Alabama, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, 
Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North 
Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, 
Wisconsin, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
    The National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) is a 
national drug forensic laboratory reporting system that systematically 
collects results from drug chemistry analyses conducted by 
participating Federal, State and local forensic laboratories across the 
country. According to NFLIS, the first report of furanyl fentanyl was 
recorded in December 2015 in Oregon. From December 2015 through 
September 2016, a total of 494 submissions to state and local forensic 
laboratories identifying furanyl fentanyl were reported in NFLIS as a 
result of law enforcement encounters in California, Connecticut, 
Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New 
Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, 
and Wisconsin (query date: November 2, 2016). The DEA is not aware of 
any laboratory identifications of furanyl fentanyl prior to 2015.
    Evidence suggests that the pattern of abuse of fentanyl analogues, 
including furanyl fentanyl, parallels that of heroin and prescription 
opioid analgesics. Seizures of furanyl fentanyl have been encountered 
in powder form. Furanyl fentanyl has also been encountered in drug 
paraphernalia commonly associated with heroin or other opioid abuse 
including glassine bags, and as a residue on spoons and bottle caps. 
Furanyl fentanyl has been encountered as a single substance as well as 
in combination with other substances of abuse, including heroin, 
fentanyl, butyryl fentanyl, and U-47700. Furanyl fentanyl has been 
connected to fatal overdoses, in which intravenous routes of 
administration are documented.

Factor 5. Scope, Duration and Significance of Abuse

    The scientific literature and reports collected by the DEA 
demonstrate furanyl fentanyl is being abused for its opioid properties. 
This abuse of furanyl fentanyl has resulted in morbidity and mortality 
(see updated DEA 3-Factor Analysis for full discussion). The DEA has 
received reports for at least 128 confirmed fatalities associated with 
furanyl fentanyl. The information on these deaths occurring in 2015 and 
2016 was collected from email communications or toxicology and medical 
examiner reports received by the DEA. These deaths were reported from 
five states--Illinois (36), Maryland (41), New Jersey (1), North 
Carolina (49), and Ohio (1). The scientific literature notes additional 
fatal overdoses connected to furanyl fentanyl. STARLiMS and NFLIS have 
a total of 607 drug reports in which furanyl fentanyl was identified in 
drug exhibits submitted to forensic laboratories from December 2015 
through September 2016 from law enforcement encounters. It is likely 
that the prevalence of furanyl fentanyl in opioid analgesic-related 
emergency room admissions and deaths is underreported as standard 
immunoassays may not differentiate this substance from fentanyl.
    The population likely to abuse furanyl fentanyl overlaps with the 
population abusing prescription opioid analgesics and heroin. This is 
evidenced by the routes of drug administration and drug use history 
documented in furanyl fentanyl fatal overdose cases. Because abusers of 
furanyl fentanyl are likely to obtain this substance through 
unregulated sources (i.e. on-line purchases or drug dealers), the 
identity, purity, and quantity are uncertain and inconsistent, thus 
posing significant adverse health risks to the end user. Individuals 
who initiate (i.e. use a drug for the first time) furanyl fentanyl 
abuse are likely to be at risk of developing substance use disorder, 
overdose, and death similar to that of other opioid analgesics (e.g., 
fentanyl, morphine, etc.).

Factor 6. What, if Any, Risk There Is to the Public Health

    Furanyl fentanyl exhibits pharmacological profiles similar to that 
of fentanyl and other [micro]-opioid receptor agonists. The toxic 
effects of furanyl fentanyl in humans are demonstrated by overdose 
fatalities involving this substance. Abusers of furanyl fentanyl may 
not know the origin, identity, or purity of this substance, thus posing 
significant adverse health risks when compared to abuse of 
pharmaceutical preparations of opioid analgesics, such as morphine and 
oxycodone.
    Based on reports in the scientific literature and information 
received by the DEA, the abuse of furanyl fentanyl leads to the same 
qualitative public health risks as heroin, fentanyl and other opioid 
analgesic substances. As with any non-medically approved opioid, the 
health and safety risks for users are great. The public health risks 
attendant to the abuse of heroin and opioid analgesics are well 
established and have resulted in large numbers of drug treatment 
admissions, emergency department visits, and fatal overdoses.
    Furanyl fentanyl has been associated with a number of fatalities 
and non-fatal overdoses as detailed in the scientific literature. The 
DEA has received information connecting furanyl fentanyl to at least 
128 confirmed overdose deaths occurring in 2015 and 2016 in Illinois 
(36), Maryland (41), New Jersey (1), North Carolina (49), and Ohio (1).

Finding of Necessity of Schedule I Placement To Avoid Imminent Hazard 
to Public Safety

    In accordance with 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(3), based on the data and 
information summarized above, the continued uncontrolled manufacture, 
distribution, importation, exportation, and abuse of furanyl fentanyl 
pose an imminent hazard to the public safety. The DEA is not aware of 
any currently accepted medical uses for this substance in treatment in 
the United States. A substance meeting the statutory requirements for 
temporary scheduling, 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1), may only be placed into 
schedule I. Substances in schedule I are those that have a high 
potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in 
the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical 
supervision. Available data and information for furanyl fentanyl 
indicate that this substance has a high potential for abuse, no 
currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a 
lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. As required 
by section 201(h)(4) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(4), the 
Administrator, through a letter dated June 22, 2016, notified the 
Assistant Secretary of the DEA's intention to temporarily place this 
substance into schedule I.

Conclusion

    In accordance with the provisions of section 201(h) of the CSA, 21 
U.S.C. 811(h), the Administrator considered available data and 
information, herein sets forth the grounds for his determination that 
it is necessary to temporarily schedule furanyl fentanyl into schedule 
I of the CSA, and finds that placement of this synthetic opioid into 
schedule I of the CSA is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the 
public safety. Because the Administrator hereby finds it necessary to 
temporarily place this synthetic opioid into schedule I to avoid an 
imminent hazard to the public safety, this final order temporarily 
scheduling furanyl fentanyl will be effective on the date of 
publication in the Federal Register, and will be in effect for a period 
of two

[[Page 85876]]

years, with a possible extension of one additional year, pending 
completion of the regular (permanent) scheduling process. 21 U.S.C. 
811(h) (1) and (2).
    The CSA sets forth specific criteria for scheduling a drug or other 
substance. Permanent scheduling actions in accordance with 21 U.S.C. 
811(a) are subject to formal rulemaking procedures done ``on the record 
after opportunity for a hearing'' conducted pursuant to the provisions 
of 5 U.S.C. 556 and 557. 21 U.S.C. 811. The permanent scheduling 
process of formal rulemaking affords interested parties with 
appropriate process and the government with any additional relevant 
information needed to make a determination. Final decisions that 
conclude the permanent scheduling process of formal rulemaking are 
subject to judicial review. 21 U.S.C. 877. Temporary scheduling orders 
are not subject to judicial review. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(6).

Requirements for Handling

    Upon the effective date of this final order, furanyl fentanyl will 
become subject to the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, 
and criminal sanctions applicable to the manufacture, distribution, 
reverse distribution, importation, exportation, engagement in research, 
and conduct of instructional activities or chemical analysis with, and 
possession of schedule I controlled substances including the following:
    1. Registration. Any person who handles (manufactures, distributes, 
reverse distributes, imports, exports, engages in research, or conducts 
instructional activities or chemical analysis with, or possesses), or 
who desires to handle, furanyl fentanyl must be registered with the DEA 
to conduct such activities pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 822, 823, 957, and 958 
and in accordance with 21 CFR parts 1301 and 1312, as of November 29, 
2016. Any person who currently handles furanyl fentanyl, and is not 
registered with the DEA, must submit an application for registration 
and may not continue to handle furanyl fentanyl as of November 29, 
2016, unless the DEA has approved that application for registration 
pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 822, 823, 957, 958, and in accordance with 21 CFR 
parts 1301 and 1312. Retail sales of schedule I controlled substances 
to the general public are not allowed under the CSA. Possession of any 
quantity of this substance in a manner not authorized by the CSA on or 
after November 29, 2016 is unlawful and those in possession of any 
quantity of this substance may be subject to prosecution pursuant to 
the CSA.
    2. Disposal of stocks. Any person who does not desire or is not 
able to obtain a schedule I registration to handle furanyl fentanyl, 
must surrender all quantities of currently held furanyl fentanyl.
    3. Security. Furanyl fentanyl is subject to schedule I security 
requirements and must be handled and stored pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 821, 
823, 871(b), and in accordance with 21 CFR 1301.71-1301.93, as of 
November 29, 2016.
    4. Labeling and packaging. All labels, labeling, and packaging for 
commercial containers of furanyl fentanyl must be in compliance with 21 
U.S.C. 825, 958(e), and be in accordance with 21 CFR part 1302. Current 
DEA registrants shall have 30 calendar days from November 29, 2016, to 
comply with all labeling and packaging requirements.
    5. Inventory. Every DEA registrant who possesses any quantity of 
furanyl fentanyl on the effective date of this order must take an 
inventory of all stocks of this substance on hand, pursuant to 21 
U.S.C. 827 and 958, and in accordance with 21 CFR 1304.03, 1304.04, and 
1304.11. Current DEA registrants shall have 30 calendar days from the 
effective date of this order to be in compliance with all inventory 
requirements. After the initial inventory, every DEA registrant must 
take an inventory of all controlled substances (including furanyl 
fentanyl) on hand on a biennial basis, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 827 and 
958, and in accordance with 21 CFR 1304.03, 1304.04, and 1304.11.
    6. Records. All DEA registrants must maintain records with respect 
to furanyl fentanyl pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 827 and 958, and in 
accordance with 21 CFR parts 1304, and 1312, 1317 and Sec.  1307.11. 
Current DEA registrants shall have 30 calendar days from the effective 
date of this order to be in compliance with all recordkeeping 
requirements.
    7. Reports. All DEA registrants who manufacture or distribute 
furanyl fentanyl must submit reports pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 827 and in 
accordance with 21 CFR parts 1304, and 1312 as of November 29, 2016.
    8. Order Forms. All DEA registrants who distribute furanyl fentanyl 
must comply with order form requirements pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 828 and 
in accordance with 21 CFR part 1305 as of November 29, 2016.
    9. Importation and Exportation. All importation and exportation of 
furanyl fentanyl must be in compliance with 21 U.S.C. 952, 953, 957, 
958, and in accordance with 21 CFR part 1312 as of November 29, 2016.
    10. Quota. Only DEA registered manufacturers may manufacture 
furanyl fentanyl in accordance with a quota assigned pursuant to 21 
U.S.C. 826 and in accordance with 21 CFR part 1303 as of November 29, 
2016.
    11. Liability. Any activity involving furanyl fentanyl not 
authorized by, or in violation of the CSA, occurring as of November 29, 
2016, is unlawful, and may subject the person to administrative, civil, 
and/or criminal sanctions.

Regulatory Matters

    Section 201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811(h), provides for a 
temporary scheduling action where such action is necessary to avoid an 
imminent hazard to the public safety. As provided in this subsection, 
the Attorney General may, by order, schedule a substance in schedule I 
on a temporary basis. Such an order may not be issued before the 
expiration of 30 days from (1) the publication of a notice in the 
Federal Register of the intention to issue such order and the grounds 
upon which such order is to be issued, and (2) the date that notice of 
the proposed temporary scheduling order is transmitted to the Assistant 
Secretary. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1).
    Inasmuch as section 201(h) of the CSA directs that temporary 
scheduling actions be issued by order and sets forth the procedures by 
which such orders are to be issued, the DEA believes that the notice 
and comment requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) at 5 
U.S.C. 553, do not apply to this temporary scheduling action. In the 
alternative, even assuming that this action might be subject to 5 
U.S.C. 553, the Administrator finds that there is good cause to forgo 
the notice and comment requirements of 5 U.S.C. 553, as any further 
delays in the process for issuance of temporary scheduling orders would 
be impracticable and contrary to the public interest in view of the 
manifest urgency to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety.
    Further, the DEA believes that this temporary scheduling action is 
not a ``rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 601(2), and, accordingly, is not 
subject to the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The 
requirements for the preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility 
analysis in 5 U.S.C. 603(a) are not applicable where, as here, the DEA 
is not required by the APA or any other law to publish a general notice 
of proposed rulemaking.
    Additionally, this action is not a significant regulatory action as 
defined by Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), 
section 3(f), and, accordingly, this action has not been reviewed by 
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

[[Page 85877]]

    This action will not have substantial direct effects on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 
13132 (Federalism) it is determined that this action does not have 
sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a 
Federalism Assessment.
    As noted above, this action is an order, not a rule. Accordingly, 
the Congressional Review Act (CRA) is inapplicable, as it applies only 
to rules. However, if this were a rule, pursuant to the Congressional 
Review Act, ``any rule for which an agency for good cause finds that 
notice and public procedure thereon are impracticable, unnecessary, or 
contrary to the public interest, shall take effect at such time as the 
federal agency promulgating the rule determines.'' 5 U.S.C. 808(2). It 
is in the public interest to schedule this substance immediately to 
avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. This temporary 
scheduling action is taken pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 811(h), which is 
specifically designed to enable the DEA to act in an expeditious manner 
to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. 21 U.S.C. 811(h) 
exempts the temporary scheduling order from standard notice and comment 
rulemaking procedures to ensure that the process moves swiftly. For the 
same reasons that underlie 21 U.S.C. 811(h), that is, the DEA's need to 
move quickly to place this substance into schedule I because it poses 
an imminent hazard to the public safety, it would be contrary to the 
public interest to delay implementation of the temporary scheduling 
order. Therefore, this order shall take effect immediately upon its 
publication. The DEA has submitted a copy of this final order to both 
Houses of Congress and to the Comptroller General, although such filing 
is not required under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Congressional Review Act), 5 U.S.C. 801-808 
because, as noted above, this action is an order, not a rule.

List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 1308

    Administrative practice and procedure, Drug traffic control, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

0
For the reasons set out above, the DEA amends 21 CFR Part 1308 as 
follows:

PART 1308--SCHEDULES OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

0
1. The authority citation for part 1308 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  21 U.S.C. 811, 812, 871(b), unless otherwise noted.


0
2. Amend Sec.  1308.11 by adding paragraph (h)(19) to read as follows:


Sec.  1308.11  Schedule I.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (19) N-(1-phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-N-phenylfuran-2-carboxamide, its 
isomers, esters, ethers, salts and salts of isomers, esters and ethers 
(Other name: Furanyl fentanyl) (9834).

    Dated: November 22, 2016
Chuck Rosenberg,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2016-28693 Filed 11-28-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4410-09-P



                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 229 / Tuesday, November 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                             85873

                                                § 1.90   Notice of sampling.                              HCT/P is offered for import, the                      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                  When a sample of an article offered                     importer of record must notify, either                David Edwards, Center for Veterinary
                                                for import has been requested by the                      before or at the time of importation, the             Medicine (HFV–220), Food and Drug
                                                district director, FDA shall provide to                   director of the district of the Food and              Administration, 7519 Standish Pl.,
                                                the owner or consignee prompt notice of                   Drug Administration (FDA) having                      Rockville, MD 20855, 240–402–6205.
                                                delivery of, or intention to deliver, such                jurisdiction over the port of entry                   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the
                                                sample. Upon receipt of the notice, the                   through which the HCT/P is imported or                Federal Register of August 24, 2016 (81
                                                owner or consignee shall hold such                        offered for import, or such officer of the            FR 57796), FDA solicited comments
                                                article and not distribute it until further               district as the director may designate to             concerning the direct final rule for a 75-
                                                notice from the district director or U.S.                 act in his or her behalf in administering             day period ending November 7, 2016.
                                                Customs and Border Protection of the                      and enforcing this part, and must                     FDA stated that the effective date of the
                                                results of examination of the sample.                     provide sufficient information,                       direct final rule would be on December
                                                ■ 5. In § 1.94, revise the first sentence of
                                                                                                          including information submitted in the                1, 2016, unless any significant adverse
                                                paragraphs (a) and (c) to read as follows:                Automated Commercial Environment                      comment was submitted to FDA during
                                                                                                          (ACE) system or any other electronic                  the comment period. FDA did not
                                                § 1.94 Hearing on refusal of admission or                 data interchange system authorized by                 receive any significant adverse
                                                destruction.                                              the U.S. Customs and Border Protection                comments.
                                                  (a) If it appears that the article may be               Agency as required in part 1, subpart D
                                                                                                          of this chapter, for FDA to make an                      Authority: Therefore, under the animal
                                                subject to refusal of admission, or that                                                                        drug provisions of the Federal Food, Drug,
                                                the article is a drug that may be subject                 admissibility decision.                               and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 354, 360b,
                                                to destruction under section 801(a) of                    *     *      *    *     *                             360ccc, 360ccc–1, and 371), and under
                                                the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic                        Dated: November 21, 2016.                           authority delegated to the Commissioner of
                                                Act, the district director shall give the                                                                       Food and Drugs, 21 CFR part 558 is
                                                                                                          Leslie Kux,
                                                owner or consignee a written or                                                                                 amended. Accordingly, the amendments
                                                                                                          Associate Commissioner for Policy, Food and           issued thereby are effective.
                                                electronic notice to that effect, stating
                                                                                                          Drug Administration.
                                                the reasons therefor. * * *                                                                                       Dated: November 22, 2016.
                                                                                                            In concurrence with FDA:
                                                *     *      *     *      *                                                                                     Leslie Kux,
                                                  (c) If the article is a drug that may be                  Dated: November 21, 2016.
                                                                                                                                                                Associate Commissioner for Policy.
                                                subject to destruction under section                      Timothy E. Skud,
                                                                                                                                                                [FR Doc. 2016–28607 Filed 11–28–16; 8:45 am]
                                                801(a) of the Federal Food, Drug, and                     Deputy Assistant Secretary (Tax, Trade, and
                                                                                                                                                                BILLING CODE 4164–01–P
                                                Cosmetic Act, the district director may                   Tariff Policy), Department of the Treasury.
                                                give the owner or consignee a single                      [FR Doc. 2016–28582 Filed 11–28–16; 8:45 am]
                                                written or electronic notice that                         BILLING CODE 4164–01–P
                                                                                                                                                                DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
                                                provides the notice of refusal of
                                                admission and the notice of destruction                                                                         Drug Enforcement Administration
                                                of an article described in paragraph (a)                  DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
                                                of this section. * * *                                    HUMAN SERVICES
                                                                                                                                                                21 CFR Part 1308
                                                PART 1005—IMPORTATION OF                                  Food and Drug Administration                          [Docket No. DEA–448]
                                                ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
                                                                                                          21 CFR Part 558                                       Schedules of Controlled Substances:
                                                ■ 6. The authority citation for part 1005                 [Docket No. FDA–2016–N–1896]                          Temporary Placement of Furanyl
                                                continues to read as follows:                                                                                   Fentanyl Into Schedule I
                                                    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 360ii, 360mm.                    New Animal Drugs for Use in Animal
                                                                                                                                                                AGENCY:  Drug Enforcement
                                                                                                          Feed; Category Definitions;
                                                ■   7. Revise § 1005.2 to read as follows:                                                                      Administration, Department of Justice.
                                                                                                          Confirmation of Effective Date
                                                                                                                                                                ACTION: Final order.
                                                § 1005.2   Definitions.                                   AGENCY:    Food and Drug Administration,
                                                  As used in this part:                                   HHS.                                                  SUMMARY:    The Administrator of the Drug
                                                  The term owner or consignee means                       ACTION:  Direct final rule; confirmation of           Enforcement Administration is issuing
                                                the person who makes entry under the                      effective date.                                       this final order to temporarily schedule
                                                provisions of section 484 of the Tariff                                                                         the synthetic opioid, N-(1-
                                                Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C.                        SUMMARY:   The Food and Drug                          phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-N-
                                                1484), namely, the ‘‘importer of record.’’                Administration (FDA) is confirming the                phenylfuran-2-carboxamide (furanyl
                                                                                                          effective date of December 1, 2016, for               fentanyl), and its isomers, esters, ethers,
                                                PART 1271—HUMAN CELLS, TISSUES,                           the final rule that appeared in the                   salts and salts of isomers, esters and
                                                AND CELLULAR AND TISSUE–BASED                             Federal Register of August 24, 2016.                  ethers, into schedule I pursuant to the
                                                PRODUCTS                                                  The direct final rule amends the animal               temporary scheduling provisions of the
                                                                                                          drug regulations by revising the                      Controlled Substances Act. This action
                                                ■ 8. The authority citation for part 1271                 definitions of the two categories of new              is based on a finding by the
                                                continues to read as follows:                             animal drugs used in medicated feeds to               Administrator that the placement of
                                                  Authority: 42 U.S.C. 216, 243, 263a, 264,               base category assignment only on                      furanyl fentanyl into schedule I of the
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                                                271.                                                      approved uses in major animal species.                Controlled Substances Act is necessary
                                                ■ 9. In § 1271.420, revise paragraph (a)                  This document confirms the effective                  to avoid an imminent hazard to the
                                                to read as follows:                                       date of the direct final rule.                        public safety. As a result of this order,
                                                                                                          DATES: Effective date of final rule                   the regulatory controls and
                                                § 1271.420       HCT/Ps offered for import.               published in the Federal Register of                  administrative, civil, and criminal
                                                   (a) Except as provided in paragraphs                   August 24, 2016 (81 FR 57796)                         sanctions applicable to schedule I
                                                (c) and (d) of this section, when an                      confirmed: December 1, 2016.                          controlled substances will be imposed


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                                                85874            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 229 / Tuesday, November 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                on persons who handle (manufacture,                     Attorney General may extend the                          To find that placing a substance
                                                distribute, reverse distribute, import,                 temporary scheduling for up to one                    temporarily into schedule I of the CSA
                                                export, engage in research, conduct                     year. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(2).                            is necessary to avoid an imminent
                                                instructional activities or chemical                      Where the necessary findings are                    hazard to the public safety, the
                                                analysis, or possess), or propose to                    made, a substance may be temporarily                  Administrator is required to consider
                                                handle, furanyl fentanyl.                               scheduled if it is not listed in any other            three of the eight factors set forth in
                                                DATES: This final order is effective on                 schedule under section 202 of the CSA,                section 201(c) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C.
                                                November 29, 2016.                                      21 U.S.C. 812, or if there is no                      811(c): The substance’s history and
                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        exemption or approval in effect for the               current pattern of abuse; the scope,
                                                Michael J. Lewis, Diversion Control                     substance under section 505 of the                    duration and significance of abuse; and
                                                Division, Drug Enforcement                              Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act                  what, if any, risk there is to the public
                                                Administration; Mailing Address: 8701                   (FDCA), 21 U.S.C. 355. 21 U.S.C.                      health. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(3).
                                                Morrissette Drive, Springfield, Virginia                811(h)(1). The Attorney General has                   Consideration of these factors includes
                                                22152; Telephone: (202) 598–6812.                       delegated her scheduling authority                    actual abuse, diversion from legitimate
                                                                                                        under 21 U.S.C. 811 to the                            channels, and clandestine importation,
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                        Administrator of the DEA. 28 CFR                      manufacture, or distribution. 21 U.S.C.
                                                Legal Authority                                         0.100.                                                811(h)(3).
                                                                                                                                                                 A substance meeting the statutory
                                                   The Drug Enforcement                                 Background                                            requirements for temporary scheduling
                                                Administration (DEA) implements and                                                                           may only be placed into schedule I. 21
                                                enforces titles II and III of the                         Section 201(h)(4) of the CSA, 21
                                                                                                        U.S.C. 811(h)(4), requires the                        U.S.C. 811(h)(1). Substances in schedule
                                                Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention                                                                           I are those that have a high potential for
                                                and Control Act of 1970, as amended. 21                 Administrator to notify the Secretary of
                                                                                                        the Department of Health and Human                    abuse, no currently accepted medical
                                                U.S.C. 801–971. Titles II and III are                                                                         use in treatment in the United States,
                                                referred to as the ‘‘Controlled                         Services (HHS) of his intention to
                                                                                                        temporarily place a substance into                    and a lack of accepted safety for use
                                                Substances Act’’ and the ‘‘Controlled                                                                         under medical supervision. 21 U.S.C.
                                                Substances Import and Export Act,’’                     schedule I of the CSA.1 The
                                                                                                        Administrator transmitted the notice of               812(b)(1). Available data and
                                                respectively, and are collectively                                                                            information for furanyl fentanyl,
                                                referred to as the ‘‘Controlled                         intent to place furanyl fentanyl into
                                                                                                                                                              summarized below, indicate that this
                                                Substances Act’’ or the ‘‘CSA’’ for the                 schedule I on a temporary basis to the
                                                                                                                                                              synthetic opioid has a high potential for
                                                purpose of this action. The DEA                         Assistant Secretary by letter dated June
                                                                                                                                                              abuse, no currently accepted medical
                                                publishes the implementing regulations                  22, 2016. The Assistant Secretary
                                                                                                                                                              use in treatment in the United States,
                                                for these statutes in title 21 of the Code              responded to this notice by letter dated
                                                                                                                                                              and a lack of accepted safety for use
                                                of Federal Regulations (CFR), chapter II.               July 8, 2016, and advised that based on
                                                                                                                                                              under medical supervision. The DEA’s
                                                The CSA and its implementing                            review by the Food and Drug
                                                                                                                                                              updated three-factor analysis, and the
                                                regulations are designed to prevent,                    Administration (FDA), there are
                                                                                                                                                              Assistant Secretary’s July 8, 2016, letter,
                                                detect, and eliminate the diversion of                  currently no investigational new drug
                                                                                                                                                              are available in their entirety under the
                                                controlled substances and listed                        applications or approved new drug
                                                                                                                                                              tab ‘‘Supporting Documents’’ of the
                                                chemicals into the illicit market while                 applications for furanyl fentanyl. The                public docket of this action at
                                                ensuring an adequate supply is available                Assistant Secretary also stated that the              www.regulations.gov under FDMS
                                                for the legitimate medical, scientific,                 HHS has no objection to the temporary                 Docket ID: DEA–2016–0018 (Docket
                                                research, and industrial needs of the                   placement of furanyl fentanyl into                    Number DEA–448).
                                                United States. Controlled substances                    schedule I of the CSA. The DEA has
                                                have the potential for abuse and                        taken into consideration the Assistant                Factor 4. History and Current Pattern of
                                                dependence and are controlled to                        Secretary’s comments as required by 21                Abuse
                                                protect the public health and safety.                   U.S.C. 811(h)(4). Furanyl fentanyl is not                The recreational abuse of fentanyl-like
                                                   Under the CSA, every controlled                      currently listed in any schedule under                substances continues to be a significant
                                                substance is classified into one of five                the CSA, and no exemptions or                         concern. These substances are
                                                schedules based upon its potential for                  approvals are in effect for furanyl                   distributed to users with often
                                                abuse, its currently accepted medical                   fentanyl under section 505 of the FDCA,               unpredictable outcomes. Furanyl
                                                use in treatment in the United States,                  21 U.S.C. 355. The DEA has found that                 fentanyl has recently been encountered
                                                and the degree of dependence the drug                   the control of furanyl fentanyl in                    by law enforcement and public health
                                                or other substance may cause. 21 U.S.C.                 schedule I on a temporary basis is                    officials and the adverse health effects
                                                812. The initial schedules of controlled                necessary to avoid an imminent hazard                 and outcomes are documented in the
                                                substances established by Congress are                  to the public safety, and as required by              scientific literature. The documented
                                                found at 21 U.S.C. 812(c), and the                      21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1)(A), a notice of intent            negative effects of furanyl fentanyl are
                                                current list of all scheduled substances                to temporarily schedule furanyl fentanyl              consistent with those of other opioids.
                                                is published at 21 CFR part 1308.                       was published in the Federal Register                 On October 1, 2014, the DEA
                                                   Section 201 of the CSA, 21 U.S.C. 811,               on September 27, 2016. 81 FR 66224.                   implemented STARLiMS (a Web-based,
                                                provides the Attorney General with the                                                                        commercial laboratory information
                                                authority to temporarily place a                          1 As discussed in a memorandum of                   management system) to replace the
                                                substance into schedule I of the CSA for                understanding entered into by the Food and Drug       System to Retrieve Information from
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                                                                                                        Administration (FDA) and the National Institute on
                                                two years without regard to the                         Drug Abuse (NIDA), the FDA acts as the lead agency
                                                                                                                                                              Drug Evidence (STRIDE) as its
                                                requirements of 21 U.S.C. 811(b) if she                 within the HHS in carrying out the Secretary’s        laboratory drug evidence data system of
                                                finds that such action is necessary to                  scheduling responsibilities under the CSA, with the   record. DEA laboratory data submitted
                                                avoid an imminent hazard to the public                  concurrence of NIDA. 50 FR 9518, Mar. 8, 1985.        after September 30, 2014, are reposited
                                                                                                        The Secretary of the HHS has delegated to the
                                                safety. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1). In addition,               Assistant Secretary for Health of the HHS the
                                                                                                                                                              in STARLiMS; data from STRIDE and
                                                if proceedings to control a substance are               authority to make domestic drug scheduling            STARLiMS were queried on November
                                                initiated under 21 U.S.C. 811(a)(1), the                recommendations. 58 FR 35460, July 1, 1993.           2, 2016. STARLiMS registered 113


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 229 / Tuesday, November 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                       85875

                                                reports containing furanyl fentanyl, all                medical examiner reports received by                  drug treatment admissions, emergency
                                                reported in 2016, from Alabama,                         the DEA. These deaths were reported                   department visits, and fatal overdoses.
                                                California, Connecticut, Delaware,                      from five states—Illinois (36), Maryland                 Furanyl fentanyl has been associated
                                                Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland,                   (41), New Jersey (1), North Carolina (49),            with a number of fatalities and non-fatal
                                                Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New                     and Ohio (1). The scientific literature               overdoses as detailed in the scientific
                                                Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North                 notes additional fatal overdoses                      literature. The DEA has received
                                                Dakota, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas,                 connected to furanyl fentanyl.                        information connecting furanyl fentanyl
                                                Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, West                         STARLiMS and NFLIS have a total of                    to at least 128 confirmed overdose
                                                Virginia, and the District of Columbia.                 607 drug reports in which furanyl                     deaths occurring in 2015 and 2016 in
                                                  The National Forensic Laboratory                      fentanyl was identified in drug exhibits              Illinois (36), Maryland (41), New Jersey
                                                Information System (NFLIS) is a                         submitted to forensic laboratories from               (1), North Carolina (49), and Ohio (1).
                                                national drug forensic laboratory                       December 2015 through September 2016                  Finding of Necessity of Schedule I
                                                reporting system that systematically                    from law enforcement encounters. It is                Placement To Avoid Imminent Hazard
                                                collects results from drug chemistry                    likely that the prevalence of furanyl                 to Public Safety
                                                analyses conducted by participating                     fentanyl in opioid analgesic-related
                                                Federal, State and local forensic                       emergency room admissions and deaths                     In accordance with 21 U.S.C.
                                                laboratories across the country.                        is underreported as standard                          811(h)(3), based on the data and
                                                According to NFLIS, the first report of                 immunoassays may not differentiate this               information summarized above, the
                                                furanyl fentanyl was recorded in                        substance from fentanyl.                              continued uncontrolled manufacture,
                                                December 2015 in Oregon. From                                                                                 distribution, importation, exportation,
                                                                                                           The population likely to abuse furanyl
                                                December 2015 through September                                                                               and abuse of furanyl fentanyl pose an
                                                                                                        fentanyl overlaps with the population                 imminent hazard to the public safety.
                                                2016, a total of 494 submissions to state               abusing prescription opioid analgesics
                                                and local forensic laboratories                                                                               The DEA is not aware of any currently
                                                                                                        and heroin. This is evidenced by the                  accepted medical uses for this substance
                                                identifying furanyl fentanyl were                       routes of drug administration and drug
                                                reported in NFLIS as a result of law                                                                          in treatment in the United States. A
                                                                                                        use history documented in furanyl                     substance meeting the statutory
                                                enforcement encounters in California,                   fentanyl fatal overdose cases. Because
                                                Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky,                                                                         requirements for temporary scheduling,
                                                                                                        abusers of furanyl fentanyl are likely to             21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1), may only be placed
                                                Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri,                     obtain this substance through
                                                New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio,                                                                               into schedule I. Substances in schedule
                                                                                                        unregulated sources (i.e. on-line                     I are those that have a high potential for
                                                Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania,
                                                                                                        purchases or drug dealers), the identity,             abuse, no currently accepted medical
                                                Virginia, and Wisconsin (query date:
                                                                                                        purity, and quantity are uncertain and                use in treatment in the United States,
                                                November 2, 2016). The DEA is not
                                                                                                        inconsistent, thus posing significant                 and a lack of accepted safety for use
                                                aware of any laboratory identifications
                                                                                                        adverse health risks to the end user.                 under medical supervision. Available
                                                of furanyl fentanyl prior to 2015.
                                                  Evidence suggests that the pattern of                 Individuals who initiate (i.e. use a drug             data and information for furanyl
                                                abuse of fentanyl analogues, including                  for the first time) furanyl fentanyl abuse            fentanyl indicate that this substance has
                                                furanyl fentanyl, parallels that of heroin              are likely to be at risk of developing                a high potential for abuse, no currently
                                                and prescription opioid analgesics.                     substance use disorder, overdose, and                 accepted medical use in treatment in the
                                                Seizures of furanyl fentanyl have been                  death similar to that of other opioid                 United States, and a lack of accepted
                                                encountered in powder form. Furanyl                     analgesics (e.g., fentanyl, morphine,                 safety for use under medical
                                                fentanyl has also been encountered in                   etc.).                                                supervision. As required by section
                                                drug paraphernalia commonly                             Factor 6. What, if Any, Risk There Is to              201(h)(4) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C.
                                                associated with heroin or other opioid                  the Public Health                                     811(h)(4), the Administrator, through a
                                                abuse including glassine bags, and as a                                                                       letter dated June 22, 2016, notified the
                                                residue on spoons and bottle caps.                         Furanyl fentanyl exhibits                          Assistant Secretary of the DEA’s
                                                Furanyl fentanyl has been encountered                   pharmacological profiles similar to that              intention to temporarily place this
                                                as a single substance as well as in                     of fentanyl and other m-opioid receptor               substance into schedule I.
                                                combination with other substances of                    agonists. The toxic effects of furanyl
                                                                                                        fentanyl in humans are demonstrated by                Conclusion
                                                abuse, including heroin, fentanyl,
                                                butyryl fentanyl, and U–47700. Furanyl                  overdose fatalities involving this                      In accordance with the provisions of
                                                fentanyl has been connected to fatal                    substance. Abusers of furanyl fentanyl                section 201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C.
                                                overdoses, in which intravenous routes                  may not know the origin, identity, or                 811(h), the Administrator considered
                                                of administration are documented.                       purity of this substance, thus posing                 available data and information, herein
                                                                                                        significant adverse health risks when                 sets forth the grounds for his
                                                Factor 5. Scope, Duration and                           compared to abuse of pharmaceutical                   determination that it is necessary to
                                                Significance of Abuse                                   preparations of opioid analgesics, such               temporarily schedule furanyl fentanyl
                                                  The scientific literature and reports                 as morphine and oxycodone.                            into schedule I of the CSA, and finds
                                                collected by the DEA demonstrate                           Based on reports in the scientific                 that placement of this synthetic opioid
                                                furanyl fentanyl is being abused for its                literature and information received by                into schedule I of the CSA is necessary
                                                opioid properties. This abuse of furanyl                the DEA, the abuse of furanyl fentanyl                to avoid an imminent hazard to the
                                                fentanyl has resulted in morbidity and                  leads to the same qualitative public                  public safety. Because the Administrator
                                                mortality (see updated DEA 3-Factor                     health risks as heroin, fentanyl and                  hereby finds it necessary to temporarily
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                                                Analysis for full discussion). The DEA                  other opioid analgesic substances. As                 place this synthetic opioid into
                                                has received reports for at least 128                   with any non-medically approved                       schedule I to avoid an imminent hazard
                                                confirmed fatalities associated with                    opioid, the health and safety risks for               to the public safety, this final order
                                                furanyl fentanyl. The information on                    users are great. The public health risks              temporarily scheduling furanyl fentanyl
                                                these deaths occurring in 2015 and 2016                 attendant to the abuse of heroin and                  will be effective on the date of
                                                was collected from email                                opioid analgesics are well established                publication in the Federal Register, and
                                                communications or toxicology and                        and have resulted in large numbers of                 will be in effect for a period of two


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                                                85876            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 229 / Tuesday, November 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                years, with a possible extension of one                    2. Disposal of stocks. Any person who              fentanyl in accordance with a quota
                                                additional year, pending completion of                  does not desire or is not able to obtain              assigned pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 826 and
                                                the regular (permanent) scheduling                      a schedule I registration to handle                   in accordance with 21 CFR part 1303 as
                                                process. 21 U.S.C. 811(h) (1) and (2).                  furanyl fentanyl, must surrender all                  of November 29, 2016.
                                                  The CSA sets forth specific criteria for              quantities of currently held furanyl                    11. Liability. Any activity involving
                                                scheduling a drug or other substance.                   fentanyl.                                             furanyl fentanyl not authorized by, or in
                                                Permanent scheduling actions in                            3. Security. Furanyl fentanyl is subject           violation of the CSA, occurring as of
                                                accordance with 21 U.S.C. 811(a) are                    to schedule I security requirements and               November 29, 2016, is unlawful, and
                                                subject to formal rulemaking procedures                 must be handled and stored pursuant to                may subject the person to
                                                done ‘‘on the record after opportunity                  21 U.S.C. 821, 823, 871(b), and in                    administrative, civil, and/or criminal
                                                for a hearing’’ conducted pursuant to                   accordance with 21 CFR 1301.71–                       sanctions.
                                                the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 556 and 557.                 1301.93, as of November 29, 2016.
                                                                                                           4. Labeling and packaging. All labels,             Regulatory Matters
                                                21 U.S.C. 811. The permanent
                                                scheduling process of formal                            labeling, and packaging for commercial                   Section 201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C.
                                                rulemaking affords interested parties                   containers of furanyl fentanyl must be                811(h), provides for a temporary
                                                with appropriate process and the                        in compliance with 21 U.S.C. 825,                     scheduling action where such action is
                                                government with any additional                          958(e), and be in accordance with 21                  necessary to avoid an imminent hazard
                                                relevant information needed to make a                   CFR part 1302. Current DEA registrants                to the public safety. As provided in this
                                                determination. Final decisions that                     shall have 30 calendar days from                      subsection, the Attorney General may,
                                                conclude the permanent scheduling                       November 29, 2016, to comply with all                 by order, schedule a substance in
                                                process of formal rulemaking are subject                labeling and packaging requirements.                  schedule I on a temporary basis. Such
                                                to judicial review. 21 U.S.C. 877.                         5. Inventory. Every DEA registrant                 an order may not be issued before the
                                                Temporary scheduling orders are not                     who possesses any quantity of furanyl                 expiration of 30 days from (1) the
                                                subject to judicial review. 21 U.S.C.                   fentanyl on the effective date of this                publication of a notice in the Federal
                                                811(h)(6).                                              order must take an inventory of all                   Register of the intention to issue such
                                                                                                        stocks of this substance on hand,                     order and the grounds upon which such
                                                Requirements for Handling                               pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 827 and 958, and                order is to be issued, and (2) the date
                                                   Upon the effective date of this final                in accordance with 21 CFR 1304.03,                    that notice of the proposed temporary
                                                order, furanyl fentanyl will become                     1304.04, and 1304.11. Current DEA                     scheduling order is transmitted to the
                                                subject to the regulatory controls and                  registrants shall have 30 calendar days               Assistant Secretary. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1).
                                                administrative, civil, and criminal                     from the effective date of this order to                 Inasmuch as section 201(h) of the
                                                sanctions applicable to the manufacture,                be in compliance with all inventory                   CSA directs that temporary scheduling
                                                distribution, reverse distribution,                     requirements. After the initial                       actions be issued by order and sets forth
                                                importation, exportation, engagement in                 inventory, every DEA registrant must                  the procedures by which such orders are
                                                research, and conduct of instructional                  take an inventory of all controlled                   to be issued, the DEA believes that the
                                                activities or chemical analysis with, and               substances (including furanyl fentanyl)               notice and comment requirements of the
                                                possession of schedule I controlled                     on hand on a biennial basis, pursuant to              Administrative Procedure Act (APA) at
                                                substances including the following:                     21 U.S.C. 827 and 958, and in                         5 U.S.C. 553, do not apply to this
                                                   1. Registration. Any person who                      accordance with 21 CFR 1304.03,                       temporary scheduling action. In the
                                                handles (manufactures, distributes,                     1304.04, and 1304.11.                                 alternative, even assuming that this
                                                reverse distributes, imports, exports,                     6. Records. All DEA registrants must               action might be subject to 5 U.S.C. 553,
                                                engages in research, or conducts                        maintain records with respect to furanyl              the Administrator finds that there is
                                                instructional activities or chemical                    fentanyl pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 827 and                good cause to forgo the notice and
                                                analysis with, or possesses), or who                    958, and in accordance with 21 CFR                    comment requirements of 5 U.S.C. 553,
                                                desires to handle, furanyl fentanyl must                parts 1304, and 1312, 1317 and                        as any further delays in the process for
                                                be registered with the DEA to conduct                   § 1307.11. Current DEA registrants shall              issuance of temporary scheduling orders
                                                such activities pursuant to 21 U.S.C.                   have 30 calendar days from the effective              would be impracticable and contrary to
                                                822, 823, 957, and 958 and in                           date of this order to be in compliance                the public interest in view of the
                                                accordance with 21 CFR parts 1301 and                   with all recordkeeping requirements.                  manifest urgency to avoid an imminent
                                                1312, as of November 29, 2016. Any                         7. Reports. All DEA registrants who                hazard to the public safety.
                                                person who currently handles furanyl                    manufacture or distribute furanyl                        Further, the DEA believes that this
                                                fentanyl, and is not registered with the                fentanyl must submit reports pursuant                 temporary scheduling action is not a
                                                DEA, must submit an application for                     to 21 U.S.C. 827 and in accordance with               ‘‘rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 601(2),
                                                registration and may not continue to                    21 CFR parts 1304, and 1312 as of                     and, accordingly, is not subject to the
                                                handle furanyl fentanyl as of November                  November 29, 2016.                                    requirements of the Regulatory
                                                29, 2016, unless the DEA has approved                      8. Order Forms. All DEA registrants                Flexibility Act. The requirements for the
                                                that application for registration                       who distribute furanyl fentanyl must                  preparation of an initial regulatory
                                                pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 822, 823, 957,                    comply with order form requirements                   flexibility analysis in 5 U.S.C. 603(a) are
                                                958, and in accordance with 21 CFR                      pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 828 and in                      not applicable where, as here, the DEA
                                                parts 1301 and 1312. Retail sales of                    accordance with 21 CFR part 1305 as of                is not required by the APA or any other
                                                schedule I controlled substances to the                 November 29, 2016.                                    law to publish a general notice of
                                                general public are not allowed under the                   9. Importation and Exportation. All                proposed rulemaking.
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                                                CSA. Possession of any quantity of this                 importation and exportation of furanyl                   Additionally, this action is not a
                                                substance in a manner not authorized by                 fentanyl must be in compliance with 21                significant regulatory action as defined
                                                the CSA on or after November 29, 2016                   U.S.C. 952, 953, 957, 958, and in                     by Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory
                                                is unlawful and those in possession of                  accordance with 21 CFR part 1312 as of                Planning and Review), section 3(f), and,
                                                any quantity of this substance may be                   November 29, 2016.                                    accordingly, this action has not been
                                                subject to prosecution pursuant to the                     10. Quota. Only DEA registered                     reviewed by the Office of Management
                                                CSA.                                                    manufacturers may manufacture furanyl                 and Budget (OMB).


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 229 / Tuesday, November 29, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                      85877

                                                   This action will not have substantial                PART 1308—SCHEDULES OF                                I. Executive Summary
                                                direct effects on the States, on the                    CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES                                    The Violence Against Women Act
                                                relationship between the national                                                                             (VAWA) was enacted on September 13,
                                                government and the States, or on the                    ■ 1. The authority citation for part 1308
                                                                                                        continues to read as follows:                         1994, by title IV of the Violent Crime
                                                distribution of power and                                                                                     Control and Law Enforcement Act of
                                                responsibilities among the various                        Authority: 21 U.S.C. 811, 812, 871(b),              1994, Public Law 103–322, 108 Stat.
                                                levels of government. Therefore, in                     unless otherwise noted.                               1796. The STOP Program is codified at
                                                accordance with Executive Order 13132                   ■ 2. Amend § 1308.11 by adding                        42 U.S.C. 3796gg through 3796gg–5 and
                                                (Federalism) it is determined that this                 paragraph (h)(19) to read as follows:                 3796gg–8. The final rule for this
                                                action does not have sufficient                                                                               program, found at 28 CFR part 90,
                                                                                                        § 1308.11    Schedule I.
                                                federalism implications to warrant the                                                                        subpart B, was promulgated on April 18,
                                                                                                        *     *     *      *    *                             1995. General provisions affecting all
                                                preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
                                                                                                          (h) * * *                                           OVW grant programs are found at 28
                                                   As noted above, this action is an                      (19) N-(1-phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-N-               CFR part 90, subpart A.
                                                order, not a rule. Accordingly, the                     phenylfuran-2-carboxamide, its isomers,                  This rule amends the general
                                                Congressional Review Act (CRA) is                       esters, ethers, salts and salts of isomers,           provisions applicable to all OVW grant
                                                inapplicable, as it applies only to rules.              esters and ethers (Other name: Furanyl                programs and the regulations governing
                                                However, if this were a rule, pursuant                  fentanyl) (9834).                                     the STOP Program to comply with the
                                                to the Congressional Review Act, ‘‘any                    Dated: November 22, 2016                            amendments to these programs enacted
                                                rule for which an agency for good cause                                                                       by the Violence Against Women Act of
                                                                                                        Chuck Rosenberg,
                                                finds that notice and public procedure                                                                        2000 (VAWA 2000), Division B of the
                                                                                                        Acting Administrator.
                                                thereon are impracticable, unnecessary,                                                                       Victims of Trafficking and Violence
                                                                                                        [FR Doc. 2016–28693 Filed 11–28–16; 8:45 am]
                                                or contrary to the public interest, shall                                                                     Protection Act of 2000, Public Law 106–
                                                                                                        BILLING CODE 4410–09–P                                386, 114 Stat. 1464 (Oct. 28, 2000), the
                                                take effect at such time as the federal
                                                agency promulgating the rule                                                                                  Violence Against Women and
                                                determines.’’ 5 U.S.C. 808(2). It is in the                                                                   Department of Justice Reauthorization
                                                                                                        DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE                                 Act of 2005 (VAWA 2005), Public Law
                                                public interest to schedule this
                                                substance immediately to avoid an                       28 CFR Part 90                                        109–162, 119 Stat. 2960 (Jan. 5, 2006),
                                                imminent hazard to the public safety.                                                                         and the Violence Against Women
                                                This temporary scheduling action is                                                                           Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA
                                                                                                        [OVW Docket No. 120]                                  2013), Public Law 113–4, 127 Stat. 54
                                                taken pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 811(h),
                                                                                                                                                              (Mar. 7, 2013). These changes to the
                                                which is specifically designed to enable                RIN 1105–AB46                                         regulations incorporate the statutory
                                                the DEA to act in an expeditious manner
                                                                                                                                                              changes, make minor technical
                                                to avoid an imminent hazard to the                      Conforming STOP Violence Against                      corrections, implement enhanced
                                                public safety. 21 U.S.C. 811(h) exempts                 Women Formula Grant Program                           administrative and planning practices
                                                the temporary scheduling order from                     Regulations to Statutory Change;                      for formula grantees, and streamline
                                                standard notice and comment                             Definitions and Confidentiality                       existing regulations to reduce repetition
                                                rulemaking procedures to ensure that                    Requirements Applicable to All OVW                    of statutory language.
                                                the process moves swiftly. For the same                 Grant Programs                                           In addition, this rule amends an
                                                reasons that underlie 21 U.S.C. 811(h),                                                                       existing regulatory provision, § 90.2,
                                                                                                        AGENCY:  Office on Violence Against
                                                that is, the DEA’s need to move quickly                                                                       that sets forth certain definitions that
                                                                                                        Women, Justice.
                                                to place this substance into schedule I                                                                       apply to all OVW grant programs.
                                                                                                        ACTION: Final rule.                                   Furthermore, the rule adds a new
                                                because it poses an imminent hazard to
                                                the public safety, it would be contrary                 SUMMARY:   This rule amends the                       regulatory provision, § 90.4, that is
                                                to the public interest to delay                         regulations for the STOP (Services                    applicable to all OVW grant programs to
                                                implementation of the temporary                         •Training•Officers•Prosecutors)                       implement statutory amendments
                                                scheduling order. Therefore, this order                 Violence Against Women Formula Grant                  requiring nondisclosure of confidential
                                                shall take effect immediately upon its                  Program (STOP Program) and the                        or private information pertaining to
                                                publication. The DEA has submitted a                    general provisions governing Office on                victims of domestic violence, dating
                                                copy of this final order to both Houses                 Violence Against Women (OVW)                          violence, sexual assault and stalking.
                                                of Congress and to the Comptroller                      programs to comply with statutory                     II. Background
                                                General, although such filing is not                    changes and reduce repetition of
                                                                                                        statutory language. Also, this rule                   A. Overview of the Violence Against
                                                required under the Small Business
                                                                                                        implements statutory requirements for                 Women Act and Subsequent
                                                Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of
                                                                                                        nondisclosure of confidential or private              Reauthorizations
                                                1996 (Congressional Review Act), 5
                                                U.S.C. 801–808 because, as noted above,                 information relating to all OVW grant                   In 1994, Congress passed the Violence
                                                this action is an order, not a rule.                    programs.                                             Against Women Act (VAWA), a
                                                                                                                                                              comprehensive legislative package
                                                List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 1308                    DATES: This rule is effective December
                                                                                                                                                              aimed at ending violence against
                                                                                                        29, 2016.
                                                                                                                                                              women. VAWA was enacted on
                                                  Administrative practice and
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                                                                        FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      September 13, 1994, as title IV of the
                                                procedure, Drug traffic control,                        Marnie Shiels, Office on Violence                     Violent Crime Control and Law
                                                Reporting and recordkeeping                             Against Women, 145 N Street NE., Suite                Enforcement Act of 1994, Public Law
                                                requirements.                                           10W.100, Washington, DC 20530, by                     103–322, 108 Stat. 1796. VAWA was
                                                                                                        telephone (202) 307–6026 or by email at               designed to improve criminal justice
                                                ■For the reasons set out above, the DEA
                                                                                                        marnie.shiels@usdoj.gov.                              system responses to domestic violence,
                                                amends 21 CFR Part 1308 as follows:
                                                                                                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            sexual assault, and stalking, and to


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Document Created: 2016-11-29 00:33:32
Document Modified: 2016-11-29 00:33:32
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal order.
DatesThis final order is effective on November 29, 2016.
ContactMichael J. Lewis, Diversion Control
FR Citation81 FR 85873 
CFR AssociatedAdministrative Practice and Procedure; Drug Traffic Control and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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