Drug laws and licensing

28 October 2009 - Importation of Codeine to the UK in 2010

As you may know, for several years we have found it necessary to manage the overall provision of codeine for the UK market in terms of domestic manufacturing and importation.

Import can permitted from EU and EEA sources only within the annual estimate established with the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board.

Imports from outside the EU/EEA are prohibited.

In order that we may consider the position for next year I would be grateful if you could advise whether you intend importing codeine during 2010 and, if so, indicate the amount you anitcipate importing.

In planning your requirements for next year you should bear in mind that only a proportion of the estimate will be available for imports. Typically, this is 10 per cent of UK consumption.

We are aware of the current codeine supply issues and will work with stakeholders to address this situation and ensure a continued supply of codeine for the UK in 2010.

12 October 2009 - Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) Enhanced Disclosures

From 12 October 2009 all applicants for controlled drug domestic licences and precursor chemical Category 1 licences and Category 2 and 3 registrations will have to provide a CRB enhanced disclosure as part of their applications.

Existing licensees altering the terms of their licence will also also need to provide a CRB enhanced disclosure as part of the licence alteration application.

CRB checks have been introduced in order to make our licensing process more robust. They reflect the fact that licensees are taking on a position of significant responsibility as custodians of substances that can cause serious harm if they are diverted from the licit trade.

The Home Office is a member of the Care Quality Commission's National Group on Controlled Drugs

The aim of the group is to provide collaboration and consistency at a national level through sharing of intelligence and analysis of trends in the use and management of controlled drugs. Thereby enabling the Care Quality Commission’s Named Individual for Controlled Drugs to provide assurance of CD governance to Government.

View the CQC Annual Report (new window)

5 August 2009 - Licence Applications to Import and Export Controlled Drugs into the UK

Organisations submitting applications for the above should continue to do so by email. However, they are now required to confirm their unique Home Office 'Domestic' Licence number in the text of their covering email (not on the application itself) when doing so. Any applications received without this information will inevitably be delayed.

Once applications for export licences are received the Home Office will, in most cases, forward by return email, a reference number, along with a request for the licensee to post the original import permit or letter of no objection relating to the proposed export to this office. This will not apply for all export licence applications, eg, for Schedule 4 Part II drugs, where no import permit is required to effect export from the United Kingdom.

7 January 2009 - Group Authority for NHS Ambulance Paramedics & NHS Ambulance Trusts

NHS Ambulance Trusts and their paramedics have, since 8 July 2008, been covered by a Group Authority and do not need to apply individually to the Home Office for a licence to possess and supply controlled drugs to registered paramedics.

The Group Authority covers all NHS ambulance trusts and their registered paramedics. An ambulance trust's accountable officer is responsible for safe storage, supply and destruction of any unused and/or expired controlled drugs.

The Group Authority also covers registered paramedics employed by a NHS ambulance trust. A separate Group Authority covers all other registered paramedics.

View the NHS Group Authority

View the Group Authority for other registered paramedics

1 January 2009 - Home Office Drugs Licensing to be renamed Home Office Drugs Licensing & Compliance Unit

View the revised contact details including new postal address.