Analysis of the New European Legislative Measures Adopted in the Field of Drug Precursors

Drug precursors are chemicals that are primarily used for the legal production of a wide range of products such as medicines, perfumes, plastics, cosmetics, etc. However, by diversion from the licit circuit, these chemicals can be used for the illicit production of drugs. Given the wide range of legitimate uses of drug precursors, their trade cannot be banned. To prevent the diversion of precursors from licit channels, specific rules have been put in place at both international and EU levels to control their legitimate trade at EU borders and on the internal market. European legislation on precursors aims to strike a balance between the control needed to prevent their diversion and their legitimate trade and use, without creating unnecessary administrative burdens. This article aims to analyze the legislative measures taken at EU level to monitor the trade in drug precursors between the Union and third countries and the harmonization of the national legislative framework in this area. It also aims to analyze the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance and coherence of the legislative framework on drug precursors and how this is integrated into EU drug policy.