The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has notified “2-Bromo-4-Methylpropiophenone” as a controlled substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Regulation of Controlled Substances) Order, 2013, due to its increasing use in the manufacture of mephedrone, a psychotropic substance.

The compound is most widely known as the primary starting material for manufacturing mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone), a synthetic stimulant and psychotropic substance. The chemical is primarily produced by specialised pharmaceutical manufacturers, as it’s highly valued in organic synthesis for several legal industrial applications.

All persons and entities engaged in the manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, possession, storage, consumption, import or export or in offering 2-Bromo-4-Methylpropiophenone through any website, social media platform or other electronic means, are required to obtain a registration number from their jurisdictional Zonal Director, Narcotics Control Bureau.

Obtaining registration by filling Form A and meeting other compliances are in accordance with the NDPS (RCS) Order, 2013, said the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in a statement issued on Monday.

“All such firms/entities are requested to submit registration applications in Form B to the concerned NCB Zonal Unit well in advance, i.e., on or before Aug 7, 2026, so that the registration number is issued by NCB within the statutory period of 180 days from March 11, 2026,” read the statement released based on the notification issued by the Department of Revenue, under the MoF.

All manufacturers, traders, distributors, importers, exporters, consumers, users, and any other persons holding stocks of 2-Bromo-4-Methylpropiophenone are also requested to furnish details of the stock held as of June 30, 2026, to the jurisdictional Zonal Director, Narcotics Control Bureau, on or before July 10, 2026, in Form X.

Any person or entity dealing with the substance in contravention of the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, after Sep 7, 2026, shall render himself/ itself liable for penal action under Section 25A of the NDPS Act, 1985.

Detailed procedures, prescribed forms, and jurisdictions of NCB zonal units are available on the NCB precursors portal.

However, the chemical serves as a vital building block or intermediate for synthesising legal medical drugs, specifically analgesics, which are pain relievers, sedatives, and anticonvulsants (used to treat epilepsy and seizures). Other than that, it is used as a starting material to manufacture 2-amino-4-(4-methylphenyl)thiazole, a key intermediate required to produce agricultural fungicides and pesticides for crop protection.

Lastly, it is utilised in the production of specialised polymers, coatings, and adhesives.

Published on June 15, 2026