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PXL/HO/Cir-028/2026-27 Date: 18.06.2026
Hyderabad
Subject: Implementation of the Voluntary Code of Conduct (VCC) to Prevent Diversion of Precursor Chemicals
Public Notice – Notification of “2-Bromo-4-Methylpropiophenone” as CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE under NDPS Act, 1985
We would like to bring to kind notice of the member companies that on the days of 16 June 2026, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)launched the Voluntary Code of Conduct (VCC)in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This national initiative is designed as a guidance framework to address the critical issue of precursor chemicals being diverted from legal supply chains to the illicit manufacture of synthetic drugs.
Objectives of the VCC
The VCC aims to establish a robust partnership between law enforcement and the industry through:
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Responsible Chemical Stewardship:Encouraging companies to take ownership of the end-to-end security of their chemical products
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Supply-Chain Integrity:Strengthening the internal controls of manufacturers, importers, exporters, distributors, and transporters
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Early Detection:Promoting the identification and reporting of suspicious transactions before chemicals reach illicit laboratories
The Industry’s Role: The NCB emphasizes that enforcement agencies alone cannot win the fight against synthetic drugs. Stopping chemical misuse requires strong cooperation between enforcement agencies and the pharmaceutical industry.
Criminal networks constantly look for new substances to evade the law, and businesses are often the first to notice when something is wrong. Working together helps strengthen safeguards, block illegal supply chains, and protect both public safety and company reputation. The NCB seeks support of the industry, as theyare uniquely positionedto identify red flags that may bypass traditional regulatory controls, including
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Suspicious Orders: Unusually large orders or those from new customers that appear inconsistent with their declared business activities
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Unusual Procurement Patterns:Abnormal consumption trends or sudden spikes in demand for specific controlled substances
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Logistical Red Flags:Requests for delivery to locations that differ significantly from a company’s registered business address
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Lack of Transparency:Attempts to conceal end-use information, resistance to providing adequate documentation, or insistence on unusual urgency and unconventional payment arrangements
There have been recent instances where the firms and individuals faced global sanctions and criminal charges because their chemicals were diverted to unauthorized users. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) calls upon all stakeholders to:
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Incorporate VCC guidelines into standard operating procedures.
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Exercise high levels of vigilance during customer verification, especially when dealing with intermediaries or brokers
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Actively report any suspicious transactions or indicators of possible diversion to the relevant authorities immediately
By working together, we can ensure that India’s chemical and pharmaceutical industries remain a force for global health rather than a source for illicit drug manufacture.
We therefore request member companies to adhere to this code of conduct essential to safeguard your company’s reputation, ensure compliance with international regulations, and uphold the integrity and safety of the pharmaceutical industry.
With regards,
Raja Bhanu
Director General
Encl: VCC & NCB
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