Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of Seven Fentanyl-Related Substances in Schedule I

The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is issuing this temporary scheduling order to schedule seven fentanyl- related substances in schedule I. These seven substances are: N-(1- phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-N-phenylpentanamide (valeryl fentanyl), N-(4- fluorophenyl)-N-(1-phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)butyramide (para- fluorobutyryl fentanyl), N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N-(1-phenethylpiperidin-4- yl)butyramide (para-methoxybutyryl fentanyl), N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-(1- phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)isobutyramide (para-chloroisobutyryl fentanyl), N-(1-phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-N-phenylisobutyramide (isobutyryl fentanyl), N-(1-phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-N- phenylcyclopentanecarboxamide (cyclopentyl fentanyl), and N-(2- fluorophenyl)-2-methoxy-N-(1-phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)acetamide (ocfentanil). This action is based on a finding by the Administrator that the placement of these seven synthetic opioids in 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, valeryl fentanyl, para-fluorobutyryl fentanyl, para-methoxybutyryl fentanyl, para-chloroisobutyryl fentanyl, isobutyryl fentanyl, cyclopentyl fentanyl, and ocfentanil.