82_FR_32587 82 FR 32453 - Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Acryl Fentanyl Into Schedule I

82 FR 32453 - Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Acryl Fentanyl Into Schedule I

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Drug Enforcement Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 134 (July 14, 2017)

Page Range32453-32457
FR Document2017-14880

The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is issuing this temporary scheduling order to schedule the synthetic opioid, N-(1-phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-N-phenylacrylamide (acryl fentanyl or acryloylfentanyl), and its isomers, esters, ethers, salts and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers, into Schedule I. This action is based on a finding by the Administrator that the placement of acryl 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, acryl fentanyl.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 134 (Friday, July 14, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 134 (Friday, July 14, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32453-32457]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-14880]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Drug Enforcement Administration

21 CFR Part 1308

[Docket No. DEA-460]


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

AGENCY: Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice.

ACTION: Temporary scheduling order.

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SUMMARY: The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is 
issuing this temporary scheduling order to schedule the synthetic 
opioid, N-(1-phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-N-phenylacrylamide (acryl 
fentanyl or acryloylfentanyl), and its isomers, esters, ethers, salts 
and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers, into Schedule I. This action 
is based on a finding by the Administrator that the placement of acryl 
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, 
acryl fentanyl.

DATES: This temporary scheduling order is effective July 14, 2017, 
until July 15, 2019, unless it is extended for an additional year or a 
permanent scheduling proceeding is completed. The DEA will publish a 
document in the Federal Register announcing an extension or permanence.

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

    Section 201 of the Controlled Substances Act (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 he 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

[[Page 32454]]

initiated under 21 U.S.C. 811(a)(1), the Attorney General may extend 
the temporary scheduling \1\ for up to one year. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(2).
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    \1\ Though DEA has used the term ``final order'' with respect to 
temporary scheduling orders in the past, this document adheres to 
the statutory language of 21 U.S.C. 811(h), which refers to a 
``temporary scheduling order.'' No substantive change is intended.
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    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 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.\2\ The Administrator transmitted the notice 
of intent to place acryl fentanyl into Schedule I on a temporary basis 
to the Assistant Secretary by letter dated April 17, 2017. The 
Assistant Secretary responded to this notice by letter dated May 2, 
2017, 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 acryl fentanyl. The 
Assistant Secretary also stated that the HHS has no objection to the 
temporary placement of acryl 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). Acryl fentanyl is not currently listed 
in any schedule under the CSA, and no exemptions or approvals are in 
effect for acryl fentanyl under section 505 of the FDCA, 21 U.S.C. 355. 
The DEA has found that the control of acryl 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 issue a temporary order to schedule acryl fentanyl was published in 
the Federal Register on June 2, 2017. 82 FR 25564.
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    \2\ 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.
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    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 acryl 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 three-factor analysis, and the Assistant 
Secretary's May 2, 2017, 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-2017-0005 (Docket Number 
DEA-460).

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, often 
with unpredictable outcomes. Acryl fentanyl has recently been 
encountered by law enforcement and public health officials and the 
adverse health effects and outcomes are demonstrated by fatal overdose 
cases. The documented negative effects of acryl 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 May 5, 2017. STARLiMS 
registered 36 reports containing acryl fentanyl, from Alabama, 
Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, 
Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West 
Virginia. According to STARLiMS, the first laboratory submission of 
acryl fentanyl occurred in July 2016 in Texas.
    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 other 
federal, state and local forensic laboratories across the country. 
NFLIS registered 74 reports containing acryl fentanyl from state or 
local forensic laboratories in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Iowa, 
Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin 
(query date: May 5, 2017).\3\ The first report of acryl fentanyl was 
reported in Wisconsin in May 2016. The DEA is not aware of any 
laboratory identifications of acryl fentanyl prior to 2016.
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    \3\ Data are still being collected for February 2017-April 2017 
due to the normal lag period for labs reporting to NFLIS.
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    Evidence suggests that the pattern of abuse of fentanyl analogues, 
including acryl fentanyl, parallels that of heroin and prescription 
opioid analgesics. Seizures of acryl fentanyl have been encountered in 
powder form, in solution, and packaged similar to that of heroin. Acryl 
fentanyl has been encountered as a single substance as well as in 
combination with other substances of abuse, including heroin, fentanyl, 
4-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl, and furanyl fentanyl. Acryl fentanyl has 
been connected to fatal overdoses, in which insufflation and 
intravenous routes of administration were documented.

Factor 5. Scope, Duration and Significance of Abuse

    Reports collected by the DEA demonstrate acryl fentanyl is being 
abused for its opioid properties. This abuse of acryl fentanyl has 
resulted in morbidity and mortality (see DEA 3-Factor Analysis for full 
discussion). The DEA has received reports for at least 83 confirmed 
fatalities associated with acryl fentanyl. Information on these deaths, 
occurring as early as September 2016, was collected by the DEA from 
post-mortem toxicology and medical examiner reports. These deaths were 
reported from, and occurred in, Illinois (27), Maryland (22), New 
Jersey (1),

[[Page 32455]]

Ohio (31), and Pennsylvania (2). NFLIS and STARLiMS have a total of 110 
drug reports in which acryl fentanyl was identified in drug exhibits 
submitted to forensic laboratories in 2016 and 2017 from law 
enforcement encounters in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, 
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, 
North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, 
West Virginia, and Wisconsin. It is likely that the prevalence of acryl 
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 acryl fentanyl overlaps with the 
population abusing prescription opioid analgesics, heroin, fentanyl, 
and other fentanyl-related substances. This is evidenced by the routes 
of drug administration and drug use history documented in acryl 
fentanyl fatal overdose cases and encounters of the substance by law 
enforcement officials. Because abusers of acryl fentanyl are likely to 
obtain this substance through unregulated sources, 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) acryl 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

    Acryl fentanyl exhibits pharmacological profiles similar to that of 
fentanyl and other [micro]-opioid receptor agonists. The toxic effects 
of acryl fentanyl in humans are demonstrated by overdose fatalities 
involving this substance. Abusers of acryl 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 information reviewed by the DEA, the misuse and abuse of 
acryl 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 high. 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.
    Acryl fentanyl has been associated with numerous fatalities. At 
least 83 confirmed overdose deaths involving acryl fentanyl abuse have 
been reported from Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, and 
Pennsylvania in 2016 and 2017. As the data demonstrates, the potential 
for fatal and non-fatal overdoses exists for acryl fentanyl; thus, 
acryl fentanyl poses an imminent hazard to the public safety.

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, reverse distribution, importation, exportation, conduct 
of research and chemical analysis, possession, and abuse of acryl 
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 acryl 
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 April 17, 2017, notified the 
Assistant Secretary of the DEA's intention to temporarily place this 
substance into Schedule I. A notice of intent was subsequently 
published in the Federal Register on June 2, 2017. 82 FR 25564.

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 acryl 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 temporary order scheduling acryl fentanyl 
will be effective on the date of publication in the Federal Register, 
and will be in effect for a period of two 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 temporary order, acryl 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, acryl 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 July 14, 2017. 
Any person who currently handles acryl fentanyl, and is not registered 
with the DEA, must submit an application for registration and may not 
continue to handle acryl fentanyl as of July 14, 2017, 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

[[Page 32456]]

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 July 14, 2017 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 acryl fentanyl, must 
surrender all quantities of currently held acryl fentanyl.
    3. Security. Acryl 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 July 
14, 2017.
    4. Labeling and packaging. All labels, labeling, and packaging for 
commercial containers of acryl 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 July 14, 2017, to 
comply with all labeling and packaging requirements.
    5. Inventory. Every DEA registrant who possesses any quantity of 
acryl 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 acryl 
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 acryl fentanyl pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 827 and 958, and in accordance 
with 21 CFR parts 1304, 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 acryl 
fentanyl must submit reports pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 827 and in 
accordance with 21 CFR parts 1304 and 1312 as of July 14, 2017.
    8. Order Forms. All DEA registrants who distribute acryl fentanyl 
must comply with order form requirements pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 828 and 
in accordance with 21 CFR part 1305 as of July 14, 2017.
    9. Importation and Exportation. All importation and exportation of 
acryl fentanyl must be in compliance with 21 U.S.C. 952, 953, 957, 958, 
and in accordance with 21 CFR part 1312 as of July 14, 2017.
    10. Quota. Only DEA registered manufacturers may manufacture acryl 
fentanyl in accordance with a quota assigned pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 826 
and in accordance with 21 CFR part 1303 as of July 14, 2017.
    11. Liability. Any activity involving acryl fentanyl not authorized 
by, or in violation of the CSA, occurring as of July 14, 2017, 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).
    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 temporary 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,

[[Page 32457]]

Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    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)(17) to read as follows:


Sec.  1308.11  Schedule I

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

(17) N-(1-phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-N-phenylacrylamide,            (9811)
 its isomers, esters, ethers, salts and salts of
 isomers, esters and ethers (Other names: acryl
 fentanyl, acryloylfentanyl)............................
 

* * * * *

    Dated: July 10, 2017.
Chuck Rosenberg
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2017-14880 Filed 7-13-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4410-09-P



                                                                     Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 134 / Friday, July 14, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                              32453

                                                with respect to the United States. This                  553(b)(B)). For the same reason, a                        DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
                                                period may be extended for additional                    delayed effective date is not required
                                                periods of not more than five years if it                under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3).                                 Drug Enforcement Administration
                                                is determined that the factors which
                                                justified the initial agreement still                    Regulatory Flexibility Act                                21 CFR Part 1308
                                                pertain and no cause for suspension of                     Because no notice of proposed                           [Docket No. DEA–460]
                                                the agreement exists. (19 CFR
                                                                                                         rulemaking is required, the provisions
                                                12.104g(a)).                                                                                                       Schedules of Controlled Substances:
                                                   On July 12, 2016, the Department of                   of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
                                                                                                         U.S.C. 601 et seq.) do not apply.                         Temporary Placement of Acryl
                                                State received a request by the Republic                                                                           Fentanyl Into Schedule I
                                                of Cyprus to extend the Agreement. The                   Executive Orders 12866 and 13771
                                                Department of State proposed to extend                                                                             AGENCY:  Drug Enforcement
                                                the import restrictions for an additional                   Because this rule involves a foreign                   Administration, Department of Justice.
                                                five years in a notice published in the                  affairs function of the United States, it                 ACTION: Temporary scheduling order.
                                                Federal Register (81 FR 52946) on                        is not subject to either Executive Order
                                                August 10, 2016. On March 22, 2017,                      12866 or Executive Order 13771.                           SUMMARY:    The Administrator of the Drug
                                                the Assistant Secretary for Educational                                                                            Enforcement Administration is issuing
                                                and Cultural Affairs, State Department,                  Signing Authority                                         this temporary scheduling order to
                                                after consultation with and                                                                                        schedule the synthetic opioid, N-(1-
                                                                                                           This regulation is being issued in
                                                recommendations by the Cultural                                                                                    phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-N-
                                                                                                         accordance with 19 CFR 0.1(a)(1).                         phenylacrylamide (acryl fentanyl or
                                                Property Advisory Committee,
                                                determined that the cultural heritage of                 List of Subjects in 19 CFR Part 12                        acryloylfentanyl), and its isomers,
                                                Cyprus continues to be in jeopardy from                                                                            esters, ethers, salts and salts of isomers,
                                                pillage of certain archaeological objects                  Cultural property, Customs duties and                   esters, and ethers, into Schedule I. This
                                                and certain ethnological materials and                   inspection, Imports, Prohibited                           action is based on a finding by the
                                                that the import restrictions should be                   merchandise.                                              Administrator that the placement of
                                                extended for an additional five-year                                                                               acryl fentanyl into Schedule I of the
                                                period to July 16, 2022. Diplomatic                      Amendment to CBP Regulations
                                                                                                                                                                   Controlled Substances Act is necessary
                                                notes have been exchanged reflecting                       For the reasons set forth above, part                   to avoid an imminent hazard to the
                                                the extension of those restrictions for an               12 of title 19 of the Code of Federal                     public safety. As a result of this order,
                                                additional five-year period.                             Regulations (19 CFR part 12), is                          the regulatory controls and
                                                Accordingly, CBP is amending 19 CFR                      amended as set forth below:                               administrative, civil, and criminal
                                                12.104g(a) to reflect the extension of the                                                                         sanctions applicable to Schedule I
                                                import restrictions.                                     PART 12—SPECIAL CLASSES OF                                controlled substances will be imposed
                                                   The Amended Designated List of                                                                                  on persons who handle (manufacture,
                                                                                                         MERCHANDISE
                                                archaeological objects and Byzantine                                                                               distribute, reverse distribute, import,
                                                and post-Byzantine ecclesiastical and                                                                              export, engage in research, conduct
                                                ritual ethnological materials is set forth               ■ 1. The general authority citation for
                                                                                                         part 12 and the specific authority                        instructional activities or chemical
                                                in CBP Dec. 12–13. The herein                                                                                      analysis, or possess), or propose to
                                                mentioned Agreements and the                             citation for § 12.104g continue to read as
                                                                                                                                                                   handle, acryl fentanyl.
                                                Designated List and amended                              follows:
                                                                                                                                                                   DATES: This temporary scheduling order
                                                Designated Lists may be found at the                       Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 19 U.S.C. 66,                  is effective July 14, 2017, until July 15,
                                                following Web site address: https://                     1202 (General Note 3(i), Harmonized Tariff                2019, unless it is extended for an
                                                eca.state.gov/cultural-heritage-center/                  Schedule of the United States (HTSUS)),                   additional year or a permanent
                                                cultural-property-protection/bilateral-                  1624;                                                     scheduling proceeding is completed.
                                                agreements by clicking on ‘‘Cyprus.’’                    *      *         *       *       *                        The DEA will publish a document in the
                                                   The restrictions on the importation of                   Sections 12.104 through 12.104i also                   Federal Register announcing an
                                                these archaeological, and ecclesiastical                 issued under 19 U.S.C. 2612;                              extension or permanence.
                                                and ritual ethnological materials from
                                                Cyprus are to continue in effect through                 *      *         *       *       *                        FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                July 16, 2022. Importation of such                                                                                 Michael J. Lewis, Diversion Control
                                                                                                         § 12.104g    [Amended]                                    Division, Drug Enforcement
                                                materials from Cyprus continues to be
                                                restricted through that date unless the                  ■  2. In § 12.104g, paragraph (a), the table              Administration; Mailing Address: 8701
                                                conditions set forth in 19 U.S.C. 2606                   is amended in the entry for ‘‘Cyprus’’ by                 Morrissette Drive, Springfield, Virginia
                                                and 19 CFR 12.104c are met.                              adding the words ‘‘extended by CBP                        22152; Telephone: (202) 598–6812.
                                                                                                         Dec. 17–07’’ after the words ‘‘CBP Dec.                   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                Inapplicability of Notice and Delayed
                                                Effective Date                                           12–13’’ in the column headed ‘‘Decision                   Legal Authority
                                                                                                         No.’’.
                                                   This amendment involves a foreign                                                                                  Section 201 of the Controlled
                                                affairs function of the United States and                Kevin K. McAleenan,                                       Substances Act (CSA), 21 U.S.C. 811,
                                                is, therefore, being made without notice                 Acting Commissioner, U.S. Customs and                     provides the Attorney General with the
                                                or public procedure under 5 U.S.C.                       Border Protection.                                        authority to temporarily place a
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                                                553(a)(1). In addition, CBP has                                                                                    substance into Schedule I of the CSA for
                                                                                                           Approved: July 11, 2017.
                                                determined that such notice or public                                                                              two years without regard to the
                                                procedure would be impracticable and                     Timothy E. Skud,                                          requirements of 21 U.S.C. 811(b) if he
                                                contrary to the public interest because                  Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.               finds that such action is necessary to
                                                the action being taken is essential to                   [FR Doc. 2017–14822 Filed 7–13–17; 8:45 am]               avoid an imminent hazard to the public
                                                avoid interruption of the application of                 BILLING CODE 9111–14–P                                    safety. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1). In addition,
                                                the existing import restrictions (5 U.S.C.                                                                         if proceedings to control a substance are


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                                                32454                Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 134 / Friday, July 14, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                                initiated under 21 U.S.C. 811(a)(1), the                 811(h)(1)(A), a notice of intent to issue             after September 30, 2014, are reposited
                                                Attorney General may extend the                          a temporary order to schedule acryl                   in STARLiMS. Data from STRIDE and
                                                temporary scheduling 1 for up to one                     fentanyl was published in the Federal                 STARLiMS were queried on May 5,
                                                year. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(2).                               Register on June 2, 2017. 82 FR 25564.                2017. STARLiMS registered 36 reports
                                                  Where the necessary findings are                          To find that placing a substance                   containing acryl fentanyl, from
                                                made, a substance may be temporarily                     temporarily into Schedule I of the CSA                Alabama, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana,
                                                scheduled if it is not listed in any other               is necessary to avoid an imminent                     Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota,
                                                schedule under section 202 of the CSA,                   hazard to the public safety, the                      Missouri, North Carolina, South
                                                21 U.S.C. 812, or if there is no                         Administrator is required to consider                 Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West
                                                exemption or approval in effect for the                  three of the eight factors set forth in               Virginia. According to STARLiMS, the
                                                substance under section 505 of the                       section 201(c) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C.                  first laboratory submission of acryl
                                                Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act                     811(c): The substance’s history and                   fentanyl occurred in July 2016 in Texas.
                                                (FDCA), 21 U.S.C. 355. 21 U.S.C.                         current pattern of abuse; the scope,                     The National Forensic Laboratory
                                                811(h)(1). The Attorney General has                      duration and significance of abuse; and               Information System (NFLIS) is a
                                                delegated scheduling authority under 21                  what, if any, risk there is to the public             national drug forensic laboratory
                                                U.S.C. 811 to the Administrator of the                   health. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(3).                          reporting system that systematically
                                                DEA. 28 CFR 0.100.                                       Consideration of these factors includes               collects results from drug chemistry
                                                                                                         actual abuse, diversion from legitimate               analyses conducted by other federal,
                                                Background
                                                                                                         channels, and clandestine importation,                state and local forensic laboratories
                                                  Section 201(h)(4) of the CSA, 21                       manufacture, or distribution. 21 U.S.C.               across the country. NFLIS registered 74
                                                U.S.C. 811(h)(4), requires the                           811(h)(3).                                            reports containing acryl fentanyl from
                                                Administrator to notify the Secretary of                    A substance meeting the statutory                  state or local forensic laboratories in
                                                the Department of Health and Human                       requirements for temporary scheduling                 Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Iowa,
                                                Services (HHS) of his intention to                       may only be placed into Schedule I. 21                Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South
                                                temporarily place a substance into                       U.S.C. 811(h)(1). Substances in                       Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin (query
                                                Schedule I of the CSA.2 The                              Schedule I are those that have a high                 date: May 5, 2017).3 The first report of
                                                Administrator transmitted the notice of                  potential for abuse, no currently                     acryl fentanyl was reported in
                                                intent to place acryl fentanyl into                      accepted medical use in treatment in the              Wisconsin in May 2016. The DEA is not
                                                Schedule I on a temporary basis to the                   United States, and a lack of accepted                 aware of any laboratory identifications
                                                Assistant Secretary by letter dated April                safety for use under medical                          of acryl fentanyl prior to 2016.
                                                17, 2017. The Assistant Secretary                        supervision. 21 U.S.C. 812(b)(1).                        Evidence suggests that the pattern of
                                                responded to this notice by letter dated                    Available data and information for                 abuse of fentanyl analogues, including
                                                May 2, 2017, and advised that based on                   acryl fentanyl, summarized below,                     acryl fentanyl, parallels that of heroin
                                                review by the Food and Drug                              indicate that this synthetic opioid has a             and prescription opioid analgesics.
                                                Administration (FDA), there are                          high potential for abuse, no currently                Seizures of acryl fentanyl have been
                                                currently no investigational new drug                    accepted medical use in treatment in the              encountered in powder form, in
                                                applications or approved new drug                        United States, and a lack of accepted                 solution, and packaged similar to that of
                                                applications for acryl fentanyl. The                     safety for use under medical                          heroin. Acryl fentanyl has been
                                                Assistant Secretary also stated that the                 supervision. The DEA’s three-factor                   encountered as a single substance as
                                                HHS has no objection to the temporary                    analysis, and the Assistant Secretary’s               well as in combination with other
                                                placement of acryl fentanyl into                         May 2, 2017, letter, are available in their           substances of abuse, including heroin,
                                                Schedule I of the CSA. The DEA has                       entirety under the tab ‘‘Supporting                   fentanyl, 4-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl,
                                                taken into consideration the Assistant                   Documents’’ of the public docket of this              and furanyl fentanyl. Acryl fentanyl has
                                                Secretary’s comments as required by 21                   action at www.regulations.gov under                   been connected to fatal overdoses, in
                                                U.S.C. 811(h)(4). Acryl fentanyl is not                  FDMS Docket ID: DEA–2017–0005                         which insufflation and intravenous
                                                currently listed in any schedule under                   (Docket Number DEA–460).                              routes of administration were
                                                the CSA, and no exemptions or
                                                                                                         Factor 4. History and Current Pattern of              documented.
                                                approvals are in effect for acryl fentanyl
                                                under section 505 of the FDCA, 21                        Abuse                                                 Factor 5. Scope, Duration and
                                                U.S.C. 355. The DEA has found that the                     The recreational abuse of fentanyl-like             Significance of Abuse
                                                control of acryl fentanyl in Schedule I                  substances continues to be a significant                Reports collected by the DEA
                                                on a temporary basis is necessary to                     concern. These substances are                         demonstrate acryl fentanyl is being
                                                avoid an imminent hazard to the public                   distributed to users, often with                      abused for its opioid properties. This
                                                safety, and as required by 21 U.S.C.                     unpredictable outcomes. Acryl fentanyl                abuse of acryl fentanyl has resulted in
                                                                                                         has recently been encountered by law                  morbidity and mortality (see DEA 3-
                                                   1 Though DEA has used the term ‘‘final order’’        enforcement and public health officials               Factor Analysis for full discussion). The
                                                with respect to temporary scheduling orders in the       and the adverse health effects and
                                                past, this document adheres to the statutory                                                                   DEA has received reports for at least 83
                                                language of 21 U.S.C. 811(h), which refers to a
                                                                                                         outcomes are demonstrated by fatal                    confirmed fatalities associated with
                                                ‘‘temporary scheduling order.’’ No substantive           overdose cases. The documented                        acryl fentanyl. Information on these
                                                change is intended.                                      negative effects of acryl fentanyl are                deaths, occurring as early as September
                                                   2 As discussed in a memorandum of
                                                                                                         consistent with those of other opioids.               2016, was collected by the DEA from
                                                understanding entered into by the Food and Drug            On October 1, 2014, the DEA
                                                Administration (FDA) and the National Institute on                                                             post-mortem toxicology and medical
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                                                                                                         implemented STARLiMS (a web-based,
                                                Drug Abuse (NIDA), the FDA acts as the lead agency                                                             examiner reports. These deaths were
                                                within the HHS in carrying out the Secretary’s           commercial laboratory information
                                                                                                                                                               reported from, and occurred in, Illinois
                                                scheduling responsibilities under the CSA, with the      management system) to replace the
                                                concurrence of NIDA. 50 FR 9518, Mar. 8, 1985.                                                                 (27), Maryland (22), New Jersey (1),
                                                                                                         System to Retrieve Information from
                                                The Secretary of the HHS has delegated to the
                                                Assistant Secretary for Health of the HHS the
                                                                                                         Drug Evidence (STRIDE) as its                           3 Data are still being collected for February 2017–

                                                authority to make domestic drug scheduling               laboratory drug evidence data system of               April 2017 due to the normal lag period for labs
                                                recommendations. 58 FR 35460, July 1, 1993.              record. DEA laboratory data submitted                 reporting to NFLIS.



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                                                                     Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 134 / Friday, July 14, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                          32455

                                                Ohio (31), and Pennsylvania (2). NFLIS                   drug treatment admissions, emergency                     Because the Administrator hereby
                                                and STARLiMS have a total of 110 drug                    department visits, and fatal overdoses.               finds it necessary to temporarily place
                                                reports in which acryl fentanyl was                        Acryl fentanyl has been associated                  this synthetic opioid into Schedule I to
                                                identified in drug exhibits submitted to                 with numerous fatalities. At least 83                 avoid an imminent hazard to the public
                                                forensic laboratories in 2016 and 2017                   confirmed overdose deaths involving                   safety, this temporary order scheduling
                                                from law enforcement encounters in                       acryl fentanyl abuse have been reported               acryl fentanyl will be effective on the
                                                Alabama, Arkansas, California,                           from Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey,                  date of publication in the Federal
                                                Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,                    Ohio, and Pennsylvania in 2016 and                    Register, and will be in effect for a
                                                Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota,                          2017. As the data demonstrates, the                   period of two years, with a possible
                                                Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio,                          potential for fatal and non-fatal                     extension of one additional year,
                                                Pennsylvania, South Carolina,                            overdoses exists for acryl fentanyl; thus,            pending completion of the regular
                                                Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and                     acryl fentanyl poses an imminent                      (permanent) scheduling process. 21
                                                Wisconsin. It is likely that the                         hazard to the public safety.                          U.S.C. 811(h)(1) and (2).
                                                prevalence of acryl fentanyl in opioid                                                                            The CSA sets forth specific criteria for
                                                analgesic-related emergency room                         Finding of Necessity of Schedule I                    scheduling a drug or other substance.
                                                admissions and deaths is underreported                   Placement To Avoid Imminent Hazard                    Permanent scheduling actions in
                                                as standard immunoassays may not                         to Public Safety                                      accordance with 21 U.S.C. 811(a) are
                                                differentiate this substance from                           In accordance with 21 U.S.C.                       subject to formal rulemaking procedures
                                                fentanyl.                                                811(h)(3), based on the data and                      done ‘‘on the record after opportunity
                                                   The population likely to abuse acryl                  information summarized above, the                     for a hearing’’ conducted pursuant to
                                                fentanyl overlaps with the population                    continued uncontrolled manufacture,                   the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 556 and 557.
                                                abusing prescription opioid analgesics,                                                                        21 U.S.C. 811. The permanent
                                                                                                         distribution, reverse distribution,
                                                heroin, fentanyl, and other fentanyl-                                                                          scheduling process of formal
                                                                                                         importation, exportation, conduct of
                                                related substances. This is evidenced by                                                                       rulemaking affords interested parties
                                                                                                         research and chemical analysis,
                                                the routes of drug administration and                                                                          with appropriate process and the
                                                                                                         possession, and abuse of acryl fentanyl
                                                drug use history documented in acryl                                                                           government with any additional
                                                                                                         pose an imminent hazard to the public
                                                fentanyl fatal overdose cases and                                                                              relevant information needed to make a
                                                                                                         safety. The DEA is not aware of any
                                                encounters of the substance by law                                                                             determination. Final decisions that
                                                                                                         currently accepted medical uses for this
                                                                                                                                                               conclude the permanent scheduling
                                                enforcement officials. Because abusers                   substance in treatment in the United
                                                                                                                                                               process of formal rulemaking are subject
                                                of acryl fentanyl are likely to obtain this              States. A substance meeting the
                                                                                                                                                               to judicial review. 21 U.S.C. 877.
                                                substance through unregulated sources,                   statutory requirements for temporary                  Temporary scheduling orders are not
                                                the identity, purity, and quantity are                   scheduling, 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1), may                  subject to judicial review. 21 U.S.C.
                                                uncertain and inconsistent, thus posing                  only be placed into Schedule I.                       811(h)(6).
                                                significant adverse health risks to the                  Substances in Schedule I are those that
                                                end user. Individuals who initiate (i.e.,                have a high potential for abuse, no                   Requirements for Handling
                                                use a drug for the first time) acryl                     currently accepted medical use in                       Upon the effective date of this
                                                fentanyl abuse are likely to be at risk of               treatment in the United States, and a                 temporary order, acryl fentanyl will
                                                developing substance use disorder,                       lack of accepted safety for use under                 become subject to the regulatory
                                                overdose, and death similar to that of                   medical supervision. Available data and               controls and administrative, civil, and
                                                other opioid analgesics (e.g., fentanyl,                 information for acryl fentanyl indicate               criminal sanctions applicable to the
                                                morphine, etc.).                                         that this substance has a high potential              manufacture, distribution, reverse
                                                Factor 6. What, if Any, Risk There Is to                 for abuse, no currently accepted medical              distribution, importation, exportation,
                                                the Public Health                                        use in treatment in the United States,                engagement in research, and conduct of
                                                                                                         and a lack of accepted safety for use                 instructional activities or chemical
                                                   Acryl fentanyl exhibits                               under medical supervision. As required                analysis with, and possession of
                                                pharmacological profiles similar to that                 by section 201(h)(4) of the CSA, 21                   Schedule I controlled substances
                                                of fentanyl and other m-opioid receptor                  U.S.C. 811(h)(4), the Administrator,                  including the following:
                                                agonists. The toxic effects of acryl                     through a letter dated April 17, 2017,                  1. Registration. Any person who
                                                fentanyl in humans are demonstrated by                   notified the Assistant Secretary of the               handles (manufactures, distributes,
                                                overdose fatalities involving this                       DEA’s intention to temporarily place                  reverse distributes, imports, exports,
                                                substance. Abusers of acryl fentanyl                     this substance into Schedule I. A notice              engages in research, or conducts
                                                may not know the origin, identity, or                    of intent was subsequently published in               instructional activities or chemical
                                                purity of this substance, thus posing                    the Federal Register on June 2, 2017. 82              analysis with, or possesses), or who
                                                significant adverse health risks when                    FR 25564.                                             desires to handle, acryl fentanyl must be
                                                compared to abuse of pharmaceutical                                                                            registered with the DEA to conduct such
                                                preparations of opioid analgesics, such                  Conclusion
                                                                                                                                                               activities pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 822,
                                                as morphine and oxycodone.                                 In accordance with the provisions of                823, 957, and 958 and in accordance
                                                   Based on information reviewed by the                  section 201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C.                  with 21 CFR parts 1301 and 1312, as of
                                                DEA, the misuse and abuse of acryl                       811(h), the Administrator considered                  July 14, 2017. Any person who currently
                                                fentanyl leads to the same qualitative                   available data and information, herein                handles acryl fentanyl, and is not
                                                public health risks as heroin, fentanyl                  sets forth the grounds for his                        registered with the DEA, must submit an
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                                                and other opioid analgesic substances.                   determination that it is necessary to                 application for registration and may not
                                                As with any non-medically approved                       temporarily schedule acryl fentanyl into              continue to handle acryl fentanyl as of
                                                opioid, the health and safety risks for                  Schedule I of the CSA, and finds that                 July 14, 2017, unless the DEA has
                                                users are high. The public health risks                  placement of this synthetic opioid into               approved that application for
                                                attendant to the abuse of heroin and                     Schedule I of the CSA is necessary to                 registration pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 822,
                                                opioid analgesics are well established                   avoid an imminent hazard to the public                823, 957, 958, and in accordance with
                                                and have resulted in large numbers of                    safety.                                               21 CFR parts 1301 and 1312. Retail sales


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                                                32456                Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 134 / Friday, July 14, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                                of Schedule I controlled substances to                     9. Importation and Exportation. All                    Additionally, this action is not a
                                                the general public are not allowed under                 importation and exportation of acryl                  significant regulatory action as defined
                                                the CSA. Possession of any quantity of                   fentanyl must be in compliance with 21                by Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory
                                                this substance in a manner not                           U.S.C. 952, 953, 957, 958, and in                     Planning and Review), section 3(f), and,
                                                authorized by the CSA on or after July                   accordance with 21 CFR part 1312 as of                accordingly, this action has not been
                                                14, 2017 is unlawful and those in                        July 14, 2017.                                        reviewed by the Office of Management
                                                possession of any quantity of this                         10. Quota. Only DEA registered                      and Budget (OMB).
                                                substance may be subject to prosecution                  manufacturers may manufacture acryl                      This action will not have substantial
                                                pursuant to the CSA.                                     fentanyl in accordance with a quota                   direct effects on the States, on the
                                                  2. Disposal of stocks. Any person who                  assigned pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 826 and                relationship between the national
                                                does not desire or is not able to obtain                 in accordance with 21 CFR part 1303 as                government and the States, or on the
                                                a Schedule I registration to handle acryl                of July 14, 2017.                                     distribution of power and
                                                fentanyl, must surrender all quantities                    11. Liability. Any activity involving               responsibilities among the various
                                                of currently held acryl fentanyl.                        acryl fentanyl not authorized by, or in               levels of government. Therefore, in
                                                  3. Security. Acryl fentanyl is subject                 violation of the CSA, occurring as of                 accordance with Executive Order 13132
                                                to Schedule I security requirements and                  July 14, 2017, is unlawful, and may                   (Federalism) it is determined that this
                                                must be handled and stored pursuant to                   subject the person to administrative,                 action does not have sufficient
                                                21 U.S.C. 821, 823, 871(b), and in                       civil, and/or criminal sanctions.                     federalism implications to warrant the
                                                accordance with 21 CFR 1301.71–                                                                                preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
                                                                                                         Regulatory Matters
                                                1301.93, as of July 14, 2017.
                                                  4. Labeling and packaging. All labels,                    Section 201(h) of the CSA, 21 U.S.C.                  As noted above, this action is an
                                                labeling, and packaging for commercial                   811(h), provides for a temporary                      order, not a rule. Accordingly, the
                                                containers of acryl fentanyl must be in                  scheduling action where such action is                Congressional Review Act (CRA) is
                                                compliance with 21 U.S.C. 825, 958(e),                   necessary to avoid an imminent hazard                 inapplicable, as it applies only to rules.
                                                and be in accordance with 21 CFR part                    to the public safety. As provided in this             However, if this were a rule, pursuant
                                                1302. Current DEA registrants shall have                 subsection, the Attorney General may,                 to the Congressional Review Act, ‘‘any
                                                30 calendar days from July 14, 2017, to                  by order, schedule a substance in                     rule for which an agency for good cause
                                                comply with all labeling and packaging                   Schedule I on a temporary basis. Such                 finds that notice and public procedure
                                                requirements.                                            an order may not be issued before the                 thereon are impracticable, unnecessary,
                                                  5. Inventory. Every DEA registrant                     expiration of 30 days from (1) the                    or contrary to the public interest, shall
                                                who possesses any quantity of acryl                      publication of a notice in the Federal                take effect at such time as the federal
                                                fentanyl on the effective date of this                   Register of the intention to issue such               agency promulgating the rule
                                                order must take an inventory of all                      order and the grounds upon which such                 determines.’’ 5 U.S.C. 808(2). It is in the
                                                stocks of this substance on hand,                        order is to be issued, and (2) the date               public interest to schedule this
                                                pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 827 and 958, and                   that notice of the proposed temporary                 substance immediately to avoid an
                                                in accordance with 21 CFR 1304.03,                       scheduling order is transmitted to the                imminent hazard to the public safety.
                                                1304.04, and 1304.11. Current DEA                        Assistant Secretary. 21 U.S.C. 811(h)(1).             This temporary scheduling action is
                                                registrants shall have 30 calendar days                     Inasmuch as section 201(h) of the                  taken pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 811(h),
                                                from the effective date of this order to                 CSA directs that temporary scheduling                 which is specifically designed to enable
                                                be in compliance with all inventory                      actions be issued by order and sets forth             the DEA to act in an expeditious manner
                                                requirements. After the initial                          the procedures by which such orders are               to avoid an imminent hazard to the
                                                inventory, every DEA registrant must                     to be issued, the DEA believes that the               public safety. 21 U.S.C. 811(h) exempts
                                                take an inventory of all controlled                      notice and comment requirements of the                the temporary scheduling order from
                                                substances (including acryl fentanyl) on                 Administrative Procedure Act (APA) at                 standard notice and comment
                                                hand on a biennial basis, pursuant to 21                 5 U.S.C. 553, do not apply to this                    rulemaking procedures to ensure that
                                                U.S.C. 827 and 958, and in accordance                    temporary scheduling action. In the                   the process moves swiftly. For the same
                                                with 21 CFR 1304.03, 1304.04, and                        alternative, even assuming that this                  reasons that underlie 21 U.S.C. 811(h),
                                                1304.11.                                                 action might be subject to 5 U.S.C. 553,              that is, the DEA’s need to move quickly
                                                   6. Records. All DEA registrants must                  the Administrator finds that there is                 to place this substance into Schedule I
                                                maintain records with respect to acryl                   good cause to forgo the notice and                    because it poses an imminent hazard to
                                                fentanyl pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 827 and                   comment requirements of 5 U.S.C. 553,                 the public safety, it would be contrary
                                                958, and in accordance with 21 CFR                       as any further delays in the process for              to the public interest to delay
                                                parts 1304, 1312, 1317, and § 1307.11.                   issuance of temporary scheduling orders               implementation of the temporary
                                                Current DEA registrants shall have 30                    would be impracticable and contrary to                scheduling order. Therefore, this order
                                                calendar days from the effective date of                 the public interest in view of the                    shall take effect immediately upon its
                                                this order to be in compliance with all                  manifest urgency to avoid an imminent                 publication. The DEA has submitted a
                                                recordkeeping requirements.                              hazard to the public safety.                          copy of this temporary order to both
                                                   7. Reports. All DEA registrants who                      Further, the DEA believes that this                Houses of Congress and to the
                                                manufacture or distribute acryl fentanyl                 temporary scheduling action is not a                  Comptroller General, although such
                                                must submit reports pursuant to 21                       ‘‘rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 601(2),               filing is not required under the Small
                                                U.S.C. 827 and in accordance with 21                     and, accordingly, is not subject to the               Business Regulatory Enforcement
                                                CFR parts 1304 and 1312 as of July 14,                   requirements of the Regulatory                        Fairness Act of 1996 (Congressional
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                                                2017.                                                    Flexibility Act. The requirements for the             Review Act), 5 U.S.C. 801–808 because,
                                                   8. Order Forms. All DEA registrants                   preparation of an initial regulatory                  as noted above, this action is an order,
                                                who distribute acryl fentanyl must                       flexibility analysis in 5 U.S.C. 603(a) are           not a rule.
                                                comply with order form requirements                      not applicable where, as here, the DEA
                                                                                                                                                               List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 1308
                                                pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 828 and in                         is not required by the APA or any other
                                                accordance with 21 CFR part 1305 as of                   law to publish a general notice of                      Administrative practice and
                                                July 14, 2017.                                           proposed rulemaking.                                  procedure, Drug traffic control,


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                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 134 / Friday, July 14, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                                                32457

                                                Reporting and recordkeeping                                     PART 1308—SCHEDULES OF                                           ■ 2. Amend § 1308.11 by adding
                                                requirements.                                                   CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES                                            paragraph (h)(17) to read as follows:
                                                  For the reasons set out above, the DEA                        ■ 1. The authority citation for part 1308                        § 1308.11       Schedule I
                                                amends 21 CFR part 1308 as follows:                             continues to read as follows:                                    *       *    *            *       *
                                                                                                                  Authority: 21 U.S.C. 811, 812, 871(b),                             (h) * * *
                                                                                                                unless otherwise noted.

                                                (17) N-(1-phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-N-phenylacrylamide, its isomers, esters, ethers, salts and salts of isomers, esters and
                                                  ethers (Other names: acryl fentanyl, acryloylfentanyl) ................................................................................................................    (9811)


                                                *       *       *        *       *                              those mixtures that do not qualify for                           phenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN) was
                                                  Dated: July 10, 2017.                                         automatic exemption.                                             added to Table I of the 1988
                                                Chuck Rosenberg                                                 DATES: Effective date: August 14, 2017.                          Convention. This letter was prompted
                                                                                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                                 by a March 19, 2014, decision at the
                                                Acting Administrator.
                                                                                                                Michael J. Lewis, Diversion Control                              57th Session of the United Nations
                                                [FR Doc. 2017–14880 Filed 7–13–17; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                Division, Drug Enforcement                                       Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) to
                                                BILLING CODE 4410–09–P                                                                                                           add APAAN to Table I. As a Party to the
                                                                                                                Administration; Mailing Address: 8701
                                                                                                                Morrissette Drive, Springfield, Virginia                         1988 Convention, the United States is
                                                                                                                22152; Telephone: (202) 598–6812.                                obligated, pursuant to article 12, to take
                                                DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE                                                                                                            measures it deems appropriate to
                                                                                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                Drug Enforcement Administration                                                                                                  monitor the manufacture and
                                                                                                                Legal Authority                                                  distribution of APAAN within the
                                                21 CFR Part 1310                                                   The Controlled Substances Act (CSA)                           United States and to prevent its
                                                                                                                gives the Attorney General the authority                         diversion. Article 12 also obligates the
                                                [Docket No. DEA–379]                                            to specify, by regulation, chemicals as                          United States to take other specified
                                                RIN 1117–ZA04                                                   list I or list II chemicals. 21 U.S.C. 802                       measures related to APAAN, including
                                                                                                                (34) and (35). A ‘‘list I chemical’’ is a                        measures related to its international
                                                Designation of Alpha-                                           chemical that is used in manufacturing                           trade. By designating APAAN, which is
                                                Phenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN), a                              a controlled substance in violation of                           a primary precursor for the manufacture
                                                Precursor Chemical Used in the Illicit                          title II of the CSA, and is important to                         of phenylacetone (also known as
                                                Manufacture of Phenylacetone,                                   the manufacture of the controlled                                phenyl-2-propanone (P2P) or benzyl
                                                Methamphetamine, and Amphetamine,                               substance. 21 U.S.C. 802(34). A ‘‘list II                        methyl ketone), methamphetamine, and
                                                as a List I Chemical                                            chemical’’ is a chemical (other than a                           amphetamine, as a list I chemical, the
                                                                                                                list I chemical) that is used in                                 United States will fulfill its obligations
                                                AGENCY:  Drug Enforcement                                       manufacturing a controlled substance in                          under the 1988 Convention.
                                                Administration, Department of Justice.                          violation of title II of the CSA. 21 U.S.C.
                                                                                                                                                                                 Designation of APAAN and Its Salts,
                                                ACTION: Final rule.                                             802(35). The current list of all listed
                                                                                                                                                                                 Optical Isomers, and Salts of Optical
                                                                                                                chemicals is published at 21 CFR
                                                SUMMARY:    The Drug Enforcement                                                                                                 Isomers as a List I Chemical
                                                                                                                1310.02. Pursuant to 28 CFR 0.100(b),
                                                Administration (DEA) is finalizing the                          the Attorney General has delegated his                             On December 12, 2016, DEA
                                                designation of the chemical alpha-                              authority to designate list I and list II                        published a Notice of Proposed
                                                phenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN) and                             chemicals to the Administrator of the                            Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing control
                                                its salts, optical isomers, and salts of                        Drug Enforcement Administration.                                 of APAAN, due to its use in clandestine
                                                optical isomers, as a list I chemical                              In addition, the United States is a                           laboratories to illicitly manufacture the
                                                under the Controlled Substances Act                             Party to the 1988 United Nations                                 schedule II controlled substances
                                                (CSA). The DEA proposed control of                              Convention against Illicit Traffic in                            phenylacetone (also known as phenyl-2-
                                                APAAN, due to its use in clandestine                            Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic                                  propanone or P2P), methamphetamine,
                                                laboratories to illicitly manufacture the                       Substances (1988 Convention). When                               and amphetamine. 81 FR 89402. In
                                                schedule II controlled substances                               the United States receives notification                          response to the NPRM, only one
                                                phenylacetone (also known as phenyl-2-                          that a chemical has been added to Table                          comment was received. This comment
                                                propanone or P2P), methamphetamine,                             I or Table II of the 1988 Convention                             was supportive of the DEA’s proposed
                                                and amphetamine. This rulemaking                                pursuant to article 12, the United States                        control of APAAN. As such, this
                                                finalizes, without change, the control of                       is required to take measures it deems                            rulemaking finalizes the control of
                                                APAAN as a list I chemical.                                     appropriate to monitor the manufacture                           APAAN as a list I chemical.
                                                   This action does not establish a                             and distribution of that chemical within                           On the effective date of this final rule,
                                                threshold for domestic and international                        the United States and to prevent its                             handlers of APAAN shall be subject to
                                                transactions of APAAN. As such, all                             diversion. In addition, the 1988                                 the chemical regulatory provisions of
                                                transactions involving APAAN,                                   Convention requires the United States to                         the CSA, including 21 CFR parts 1309,
                                                regardless of size, shall be regulated. In                      take other specified measures related to                         1310, 1313, and 1316. Since even a
                                                addition, chemical mixtures containing                          that chemical, including measures                                small amount of APAAN can make a
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES




                                                APAAN are not exempt from regulatory                            related to its international trade.                              significant amount of P2P, this action
                                                requirements at any concentration.                                                                                               does not establish a threshold for
                                                Therefore, all transactions of chemical                         Background                                                       domestic and import transactions of
                                                mixtures containing any quantity of                               By a letter dated April 9, 2014, the                           APAAN in accordance with the
                                                APAAN shall be regulated pursuant to                            Secretary-General of the United Nations                          provisions of 21 CFR 1310.04(g).
                                                the CSA. However, manufacturers may                             informed the United States Government                            Therefore, all APAAN transactions,
                                                submit an application for exemption for                         that the chemical alpha-                                         regardless of size, will be regulated


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Document Created: 2018-10-24 11:17:07
Document Modified: 2018-10-24 11:17:07
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
ActionTemporary scheduling order.
DatesThis temporary scheduling order is effective July 14, 2017, until July 15, 2019, unless it is extended for an additional year or a permanent scheduling proceeding is completed. The DEA will publish a document in the Federal Register announcing an extension or permanence.
ContactMichael J. Lewis, Diversion Control
FR Citation82 FR 32453 
CFR AssociatedAdministrative Practice and Procedure; Drug Traffic Control and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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