Control of import of Spravato and narcotic seeds

Control of import of seeds containing narcotic substances.

Regarding the import of Spravato containing the active ingredient Esketamine, the Ministry of Public Security said that in Decree No. 57/2022/ND-CP of the Government promulgating the lists of narcotic substances and precursors (List III, serial number 40), the scientific name of Ketamine is: (±)-2-(2-Chlorophenyl)-2-methylaininocyclohexanone, which means it includes both S(+) ketamine and R(-) ketamine isomers. Esketamine is the S(+) ketamine isomer. Therefore, Esketamine is a narcotic substance on the controlled list (serial number 40, list III, Decree No. 57/2022/ND-CP). Based on the information on the indications, side effects, and current risk of abuse of Spravato, Esketamine is a psychotropic substance (according to Clause 3, Article 2, Law on Drug Prevention and Control 2021) and needs to be managed and controlled like Ketamine.

Regarding the import of seeds containing narcotic substances (opium poppy, cannabis...), the Ministry of Public Security said that recently, some businesses have had a need to import opium seeds and cannabis seeds into Vietnam for food. Cannabis seeds and opium poppy seeds do not contain narcotic substances and are used to press oil for human food.

According to the Penal Code and Decree No. 57/2021/ND-CP amended and supplemented by Decree No. 90/2024/ND-CP, opium seeds and cannabis seeds are not prohibited imports.

According to Circular No. 11/2021/TT-BNNPTNT dated September 20, 2021, the specialized management agency of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issues a Certificate of Quarantine Registration and Food Safety Inspection for this item depending on the purpose of use without determining whether the seeds of opium poppy and cannabis plants are still capable of germinating and sowing.

In order to ensure compliance with legal regulations and prevent the loss or misuse of drugs and plant seed products containing narcotics for illegal purposes, the Ministry of Public Security reports to the Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Committee for AIDS, Drug and Prostitution Prevention and Control to direct:

The Ministry of Health researches and adds esketamine to the list of drugs and pharmaceutical ingredients subject to special control of the Ministry of Health and issues an Import and Export License for each import and export.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development studies and proposes regulations on the control of opium poppy seeds, cannabis seeds and other narcotic plant seeds used in the food sector.

Considering the above report of the Ministry of Public Security, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long assigned the Ministries of Health and Agriculture and Rural Development to study the report and proposals of the Ministry of Public Security in the above document to promptly take appropriate measures according to their functions, tasks, authority and legal regulations, to prevent loss or misuse of drugs and plant seed products containing narcotic substances for illegal purposes; promptly report to competent authorities on issues beyond their authority.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/kiem-soat-nhap-khau-thuoc-spravato-va-hat-cay-co-chua-chat-ma-tuy.html