NACOC Sets July 31 Deadline for Registration of Precursor Chemical and Equipment Operators
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has directed all persons, businesses, institutions, and organisations operating within the supply chain of precursor chemicals, psychotropic substances, and controlled equipment to register with the Commission on or before July 31, 2026.
In a public notice issued yesterday, NACOC said the directive is pursuant to the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), which requires all operators engaged in such activities to obtain the appropriate licence and authorisation prior to commencing or continuing operations.
The Commission said it is undertaking a nationwide initiative to strengthen oversight to ensure that all operators within the supply chain are properly identified, registered, and regulated in accordance with the law.
The notice applies to all entities engaged in the importation and exportation, manufacture and production, distribution, wholesale and retail, sale and storage, transportation and brokerage, as well as laboratory, research and industrial use of precursor chemicals, psychotropic substances and controlled equipment.
Educational institutions that handle any of these items are also covered.
NACOC further listed equipment that falls under its control and monitoring framework.
These include encapsulating machines, tabletting machines, rotary evaporators, reaction vessels, condensers, separating funnels, mixers, heating apparatus, punches and dies, pill and tablet counting and polishing machines, glassware with a capacity of 15 litres and above, laboratory equipment with a capacity of 25 litres and above, and brain-maries.
The Commission noted that any other equipment it designates as controlled under Act 1019 will also require registration and regulatory oversight.
All unregistered entities have been directed to complete their registration with NACOC by the July 31 deadline.
Existing registered operators have also been reminded to ensure that their registration and licenses remain valid, current, and duly renewed.
According to the Commission, registration is essential to promote the legitimate and lawful use of precursor chemicals and controlled equipment, prevent the diversion of these substances into the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, enhance national security and safeguard public safety, and ensure compliance with national legislation and Ghana’s international obligations.
NACOC emphasised that operating without the requisite registration, license, or authorisation constitutes a violation of the law and may result in administrative, civil, or criminal sanctions as prescribed under Act 1019.
The Commission is therefore urging all affected persons, businesses, and organisations to contact it without delay to commence the registration process or regularise their existing registration status.
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