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Guidance: Pre-export notification (PEN) for a precursor substance

Guidance on holding a precursor export licence and submitting a Pre-Export Notification (PEN) for precursor substances.

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Guidance

Introduction

In this document the term ‘precursor substance’ refers to substances listed in Schedule 9 of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958.

The exportation of the following precursor substances is controlled under the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958, Regulation 10A, 10AB and 10AC.

Before you can export any of the substances in the following table you must hold a precursor export licence and submit a Pre-Export Notification (PEN) to this office five business days before the intended shipment. This guidance document incorporates both the PEN licence and PEN submission process.

Exports are prohibited until 5 business days after submission of the PEN or if you are advised the shipment may not proceed.

Name Condition Minimum export quantity requiring pre-export notification
Acetic anhydride Solutions and mixtures containing at least 90% acetic anhydride No minimum quantity
Potassium permanganate Crystals and in solutions, mixtures or powders containing at least 90% potassium permanganate No minimum quantity
Acetone Neat and in mixtures at a concentration of at least 90% acetone 100 Litres
Ethyl ether Neat and in mixtures at a concentration of at least 90% ethyl ether 100 Litres
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) Including solutions and mixtures containing at least 30% hydrochloric acid 100 Litres
Methyl ethyl ketone Neat and in mixtures at a concentration of at least 90% methyl ethyl ketone 100 Litres
Piperidine Neat and in mixtures at a concentration of at least 90% piperidine 100 Litres
Sulphuric Acid (H2SO4) Neat and in mixtures at a concentration of at least 90% sulphuric acid 100 Litres
Toluene Neat and in mixtures at a concentration of at least 90% toluene 100 Litres

Export licences are normally issued for a period of 3 years and PEN’s apply to individual consignments.

The submission of a PEN by the exporter allows the Australian Government to notify the competent authority in the importing country of the proposed transaction prior to the dispatch of any goods. The importing country has an opportunity to verify the legitimacy of the import and if necessary seek further information or request that the shipment be stopped.

How to apply for a licence and submit a pre-export notification

To apply for a licence to export precursor substances (substances in schedule 9 of the Customs Regulations), the form titled ‘Application for a licence to export precursor substances‘ must be submitted to the Narcotics Control Section (NCS). The guidance provided here will assist you in completing and submitting the application form.

To submit a PEN the form titled ‘Pre-export notification for a precursor substance‘ must be submitted to NCS. The guidance provided here will assist you in completing and submitting the form.

Exporters' responsibilities

  • You must hold a licence to export precursor substances before you submit a PEN.
  • It is the responsibility of the exporter to complete and submit a PEN at least 5 business days prior to export.
  • Export must occur within 3 months of the notification
  • The export must not occur if notified to do so by the Secretary or authorised person that it cannot proceed.
  • The amount exported must not be greater than specified in the notification.

You should be aware that the export of acetic anhydride to Afghanistan is absolutely prohibited in accordance with regulation 13CJ of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958.

Completing the licence form

The table below will assist you in identifying the required information for completing the licence application form.

Part of application form Explanation of required information
1. Exporter information

Licence to export precursor substances

Check one box to indicate if this is a new application or a renewal of an existing application.

Name of company/organisation

Provide the full name of the company/business name that the licence holder represents.

ABN/ACN

State the Australian Business or Company Number

Company address

This should be the physical address of the establishment that the licence will be issued to.

Postal address

The address to which correspondence in relation to this licence should be sent. If this is the same as the business address then check the box.

Storage address

The physical address where precursor chemicals that will be exported under the licence are stored (if different from the business address).
2. Business details

Description of business

State what type of business you are involved in. For example: manufacturing raw materials, manufacturing certain products, export or wholesaling.

Reason for export of precursor substances

If the substances are exported for use by a specific type of industry or in a particular application, please specify.

Agent's name and address

State the name and address of any agent that you intend to use to facilitate the export process.
3. Substances to be exported

Use the checkboxes to specify which of the controlled precursor substances you intend to export.
4. Declaration and Consent

Make sure you read and understand the declaration and consent. Sign the application form. Complete the contact details of the person signing the form.

Completing a pre-export notification form

The table below will assist you in identifying the required information for completing the pre-export notification form.

Part of application form Explanation of required information
1. Export details

Company name

Provide the full name of the company/business name that the licence holder represents.

Company address

This should be the physical address of the establishment that the licence will be issued to.

Export Licence No.

State your export licence number, which can be found on your licence issued by NCS.

Point of exit

The planned exit point for the export out of Australia. Specify port city and state.

Approximate date of export

Indicate the date when you expect the consignment to be shipped from Australia. If the exact date is not known, provide the approximate time period.
2. Import details

Overseas importer's full name

Provide the full name of the overseas establishment that you will be exporting to.

Overseas importer's address

Provide the address of the overseas establishment that you will be exporting to.

Country of import

State the final destination country for the export consignment.

Point of entry

The planned entry point for the shipment to the importing country. Specify port city and state.

Approximate date of import

Specify the date that the export consignment is expected to reach the final destination. If the exact date is not known, provide the approximate time period.
3. Transaction Details

Mode of transport

Specify whether the shipment will be transported out of Australia by sea or air.

Transhipment route

If the consignment will be shipped via another country on the way to its final destination, please specify details of the route.
4. Substance Details

Name of substance to be exported

Check one box to specify which of the controlled precursor substances will be exported under this notification. You can only specify one substance. A separate form is required for each consignment.

Concentration/Strength

Indicate the concentration/strength of the controlled substance.

For essentially pure substances, indicate the assay if known or indicate that it is the “‘neat”’ substance.

For mixtures or solutions show the amount of the precursor substance in the preparation. For example X% by weight or Y grams per litre.

Pack type and size

Provide details of the pack type and the size. For example, 25 kg drum or 10 L bottle or 1000 L tank

Total number of packs in shipment

Specify the total number of packs (as defined above) that make up the proposed shipment. For example 25 drums, 100 bottles. The Drug Control Section should be able to clearly establish the total amount of precursor substance that is intended to be exported.
5. Declaration and Consent

Make sure you read and understand the declaration and consent. Sign the application form. Complete the name and date.

Submitting an application for a licence or a pre-export notification

You can submit your application in the following ways:

Mail Narcotics Control Section
Office of Drug Control
GPO Box 9848
Canberra ACT 2601
Email NCS@health.gov.au

Applications for licenses take up to 15 working days to process.

Where a pre-export notification is required for a specific shipment, the form must be submitted at least 5 business days before the expected date of export.

Forms that contain incomplete or incorrect information will be returned to you for amendment. This may result in delays in processing.

Downloads

Related links

Apply for a licence to export narcotic, psychotropic and precursor substances
Apply for a permit to export narcotic, psychotropic, precursor substances
Apply for a pre-export notification (PEN) for a precursor substance
Application form: Pre-Export Notification (PEN) licence

Page history

Version 1.3: Updated information. 

Version 1.2: Updated Department name. 

Version 1.1: Updated contact information. 

Version 1: Original publication, approved for publishing by the ODC on 8 December 2016.

Version 1.3: Updated information. 

Version 1.2: Updated Department name. 

Version 1.1: Updated contact information. 

Version 1: Original publication, approved for publishing by the ODC on 8 December 2016.

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