How to apply for an import or export licence for narcotic, psychotropic and precursor substances

The import and export of narcotic, psychotropic and precursor substances controlled under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958 requires a licence and permit issued by the Narcotics Control Section (NCS).

The substances subject to these controls are listed in Schedule 4 of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and Schedule 8 of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958. To help identify whether a substance is subject to import or export controls, refer to the List of controlled substances available on the Office of Drug Control website.

Import and export licences are issued to organisations and businesses. Licences are not granted to individuals seeking medicines for personal use. If you are an individual wishing to access a medicine that is a prohibited import, speak with your doctor about your treatment options.

To apply for a licence, submit the Apply for a licence to import narcotic and psychotropic drugs and precursor substances application form. The guidance on this page explains the information required to complete and submit your application.

Important: Holding an import or export licence does not authorise the movement of controlled substances into or out of Australia. A separate permit is required for each import or export consignment. See Importing narcotic and/or psychotropic drugs into Australia.

Complete your application

The table below shows what information you need to provide for each part of the licence application form. Complete all fields and enter 'Nil' if a field does not apply.

Part of application form	What you need to provide
1. Application
Import/export year	Specify the calendar year for the proposed import or export activity. The licence will apply to the year you nominate. If no year is specified, the licence will be issued for the calendar year in which the application is submitted.
Import licence	Select whether the application is for a new import licence or a renewal of an existing import licence.
Export licence	Select whether the application is for a new export licence or a renewal of an existing export licence.
2. Applicant details – Primary licence holder
Applicant's name	Provide the full name of the applicant.
Position held in company	Provide the applicant's position within the company or organisation.
Mobile number, direct phone number, contact email	Provide the applicant's contact details, including their mobile number, direct phone number and email address.
3. Corporate information
Name of company/organisation	Provide the full legal name of the company or organisation that will hold the licence.
ABN/ACN	Provide the Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN).
Primary email address	Provide the email address that will receive correspondence from NCS. Use a shared mailbox where possible so authorised contacts can access communications.
Current licence number(s)	Renewal applications only: Provide your current NCS licence number(s). Import and export licences have different licence numbers.
Street address	Provide the physical address of the business premises.
Postal address	Provide the postal address for licence correspondence.
ASIC extract	Upload a current ASIC extract for the company. The extract must: • be issued within 30 days of the application date • show the registration date • list office holders • show the company share structure.
Reason for import/export	Describe why the controlled substances are required, for example manufacturing, distribution, sale of finished products, diagnostic kits or laboratory standards.
4. Australian shipping agents or customs agents	Provide the name and address of each customs or shipping agent used by your organisation and describe the services they provide.
5. State or territory licence(s) held	Upload copies of all relevant state or territory licences held by the licence holder. If a licence is being renewed, provide evidence that the renewal has been submitted or approved. Include the licence name, number and validity period for each licence.
6. Storage and security
Storage premises	Provide details of the premises where controlled substances will be stored, used or supplied.
Security reports and inspections	If you are a commercial importer or exporter, provide the date your most recent security report was submitted to NCS and the date of your most recent state or territory security inspection.
Changes to operations	If operations have changed since the last security assessment, provide an updated independent security assessment.
Transport security	Describe the transport security arrangements for Schedule 4, Schedule 8 and Schedule 9 substances, and identify who will transport them.
Losses and thefts	Report all losses or thefts of controlled substances, including nil incidents where applicable. Include the substance name, quantity lost or stolen, storage location, date of the incident, investigation outcomes and any security improvements implemented.
7. Proposed authorised contacts	Provide the full name and position title of each authorised contact who will submit or discuss permit applications on behalf of the licence holder. Each proposed authorised contact must complete and sign Schedule 2.
8. Declaration and consent	Read the declaration and consent carefully before signing. The proposed licence holder must sign the application and provide their contact details.
Schedule 1 – Personal details of the applicant	Complete and sign Schedule 1. Upload a National Police Certificate (NPC) for the primary licence holder. The NPC must be less than 12 months old.
Schedule 2 – Personal details of proposed authorised contacts	Each proposed authorised contact must complete and sign Schedule 2. Upload a National Police Certificate (NPC) for each authorised contact. The NPC must be less than 12 months old.
Schedule 3 – Proposed import activity	Complete Schedule 3 if you intend to import controlled substances. List each substance you intend to import directly from overseas. Do not include substances that will be imported on your behalf by another Australian company. Completing Schedule 3 does not authorise imports.
Schedule 4 – Proposed export activity	Complete Schedule 4 if you intend to export controlled substances. List each substance you intend to export directly. Do not include substances that will be exported on your behalf by another Australian company. Completing Schedule 4 does not authorise exports.
Checklist (applicant to complete)	Complete the checklist to confirm you have provided all required information and supporting documents.

Submit your application

You do not need to submit a hard copy of your licence application or National Police Certificate (NPC).

Submit your completed application and supporting documents by either email or mail.

Email
NCS@health.gov.au

Mail
Narcotics Control Section
Office of Drug Control
GPO Box 9848
Canberra ACT 2601

Processing time

ODC aims to process complete applications within 30 working days of receipt.

Processing may take longer during periods of high demand.

Avoid delays

Ensure all required information and supporting documents are provided before submission. Incomplete or incorrect applications may be returned for amendment, which can delay assessment.

Page history

1 October 2022

Version 1.3: Updated information, approved by the ODC.

12 September 2019

Version 1.2: Minor amendments and updated contact details, approved by the ODC.

20 July 2017

Version 1.1: Updated contact information, approved by the ODC.

8 December 2016

Version 1.0: Original publication, approved by the ODC.