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Change permission to handle basic substances

If you wish to change your authorization to trade in category 1 precursors, you can submit an application. This may concern the precursors, the processes, the business premises or the responsible representative(s).

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Procedure details

The handling of precursors that can potentially be converted into drugs is subject to strict controls, especially if they are category 1 precursors that can be used to produce drugs with a high potential for dependence and abuse.

You require a permit for any handling of these precursors. This is the case if you

  • possess
  • manufacture
  • process
  • store them
  • trade with them
  • arrange transactions with them
  • carry out drop shipments, even if the raw materials do not touch the territory of the European Union (EU)
  • import into the EU
  • export from the EU

If you already have a permit to handle precursors but wish to change it, you must apply for a new permit. This may be the case if

  • another basic substance is added
  • a new process is to be included
  • the location of your premises where you carry out the operations changes.

If the responsible representative or the name of the company changes, you must also inform the BfArM.

You can submit all applications informally in writing.

  • You must be resident in Germany.
  • The application must be complete and plausible.
  • There must be no reasonable grounds for doubting the suitability and reliability of the applicant or the designated responsible representative(s).

  • Required Documents
    • Your complete details:
      • Name
      • your address
      • telephone number
      • Fax number, if available
      • e-mail address
    • Description and Combined Nomenclature (CN) code of the required raw materials and their salts
    • For mixtures:
      • the name of the mixture
      • the name and CN codes of all the basic substances contained in the mixture
      • Indication of the maximum possible content of such basic substances in the mixture
    • a description of the operations envisaged, for example
      • Trade in the European Union
      • further processing
      • import
      • export
      • Brokerage
      • Intermediary transactions
    • completed declaration form for the appointment of the responsible agent(s)
    • current police clearance certificate of the appointed responsible agent(s)
    • certified extract
      • from the commercial register or
      • certified copy of the business registration

You can apply online or informally in writing to the BfArM for a permit to handle category 1 precursors.

Apply for a permit online:

  • Go to the website of the federal portal and call up the online application. This will guide you step by step through the necessary information, which you can enter electronically.
    • You will need the following for the application:
      • an Elster company account
      • an Elster certificate.
  • Upload the required documents as a PDF, PNG or JPEG file with a maximum size of 10 megabytes each and send the application.
  • If any of your details or documents are incomplete, you will receive a request to submit them within a deadline set by the BfArM.
  • If you are granted a license, the BfArM will send you the license certificate by post together with a notification of fees.

Apply for a permit informally in writing:

  • Draw up an application with all the required information, print it out and sign it.
  • Send your informal application to the BfArM by post.

If any of your details or documents are incomplete, you will receive a request to submit them within a deadline set by the BfArM. If you are granted a license, the BfArM will send you the license certificate and a fee notice by post.

For a new or change application per raw material and per operating site
emission: 110 EUR

For a new or change application for a basic substance for scientific or analytical purposes without a commercial purpose per basic substance and per operating site
emission: 55 EUR

The BfArM can either limit the validity of the license to a maximum period of 3 years or require you to prove at regular intervals of no more than 3 years that you still meet the requirements for the license.

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There are no indications or special features.

  • Contradiction
    • You will find detailed information on how to lodge an objection in your notification of your application for a change of permit.

Status: 02.11.2025
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bundesministerium für Gesundheit
Source: Federal Portal