NACOC Orders Mandatory Registration for All Operators Handling Precursor Chemicals and Controlled Equipment
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Edited by Solomon Kwabena Nana-Ansah – Paaps –
Accra, Ghana — The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has directed all individuals, businesses, institutions, and organizations involved in the importation, manufacture, distribution, sale, transportation, storage, research, or use of precursor chemicals, psychotropic substances, and controlled equipment to register with the Commission by 31st July 2026.
The directive, issued under the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), makes it mandatory for all operators within the regulated supply chain to obtain the appropriate registration, licence, and authorization before commencing or continuing their operations.
According to NACOC, the nationwide registration exercise forms part of efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve monitoring, and ensure that all operators dealing in controlled substances and equipment comply with Ghana’s legal and international obligations.
Who Must Register?
The registration requirement applies to entities engaged in:
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- Importation and exportation
- Manufacturing and production
- Distribution, wholesale and retail
- Sale and storage
- Transportation and brokerage
- Laboratory, research and industrial activities
- Educational institutions handling regulated substances or equipment
The Commission also reminded existing licensed operators to ensure their registrations and licences remain valid and are renewed on time.
Why the Registration Matters
NACOC stated that the exercise is aimed at:
- Promoting the lawful and legitimate use of precursor chemicals and controlled equipment.
- Preventing the diversion of these materials into the illegal production of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
- Strengthening national security and protecting public safety.
- Ensuring compliance with Ghana’s laws and international treaty obligations.
Controlled Equipment Under NACOC Regulation
The Commission listed several categories of equipment that require regulatory oversight, including:
- Encapsulating machines
- High-capacity glassware (15 litres and above)
- Water and oil baths (Brain-maries)
- Tableting machines
- Rotary evaporators
- Laboratory equipment with capacities of 25 litres and above
- Condensers
- Separating funnels
- Reaction vessels
- Pill and tablet counting machines
- Tablet polishing machines
- Mixers
- Punches and dies
- Heating apparatus
- Any other equipment designated by NACOC under Act 1019 and related regulations
Sanctions for Non-Compliance
NACOC warned that any person or organization operating without the required registration, licence, or authorization will be in breach of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019) and may face administrative, civil, or criminal sanctions.
Call to Action
The Commission has urged all affected individuals, companies, institutions, and organizations to begin the registration process immediately or regularize their existing licences before the 31st July 2026 deadline.
For registration, licensing, and further information, stakeholders have been advised to contact the Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).
