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Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB)

Precursor Control

Learn how CNB regulates precursor chemicals under Singapore's Misuse of Drugs Act — including their listing, permit requirements, and the PATROL e‑service.

Last updated 20 November 2025

Introduction

In Oct 1997, Singapore deposited the instruments of accession to the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988 (1988 Convention). We acceded to the 1988 Convention on 1 Jan 1998. The 1988 Convention is an international effort to make it mandatory for signatory countries to criminalise drug trafficking and its related activities. The convention also requires the monitoring and control of precursor chemicals necessary in the manufacture of controlled drugs.

As a result of Singapore's accession to the 1988 Convention, the Misuse of Drugs Act (Chapter 185) was amended on 20 Jul 1998 to control the manufacture, supply and possession of precursor chemicals as well as provide regulations on the import, export and transhipment of these chemicals. There are currently 24 controlled substances and they are identified by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) which is in charge of implementing the 1988 Convention.

Permit Administration and Control System (PATROL)

PATROL is abbreviated form for Permit Administration and ConTROL System. The main objective of PATROL is to provide a One-Stop e-Service to allow Traders to perform all transactions pertaining to permit declarations and to align to Government’s direction to move towards Electronic Services

Click here to go to PATROL.

Benefits

  • Trader Self-Service – Registration, Application Status, etc

  • Immediate access to information anytime, anywhere.

  • Traders and companies having greater autonomy in keeping own company profiles up-to-date

What's needed

  • PC/notebook with minimum 2GB RAM.

  • A reliable connection to the Internet.

  • Installed with Internet Explorer 9 and above.

  • JavaScript is enabled for the Internet browser.

  • Internet browser cookies are enabled

  • Internet browser cache and temp folder are cleared.

Helpline

  • Contact CNB PCU officers at 63251184, 63244908 or 63251120 for assistance if you encounter any difficulties.

Controlled and Scheduled Substances

Controlled substances

Learn about controlled precursor substances regulated under Singapore's Misuse of Drugs Act, and guidelines on the importation of poppy seeds.

Scheduled substances

Learn about scheduled substances regulated under Singapore’s Misuse of Drugs Act, including CNB circulars.