Authorisation import-export

Import: the bringing of scheduled substances from third countries into the customs territory of the EU.

Export: the departure of scheduled substances from the customs territory of the EU to third countries.

When is an import or export authorisation required?

• For scheduled substances in Category 1, an import authorisation is required for import, and an export authorisation is required for export.
• For scheduled substances in Categories 2 and 4, only an export authorisation is required.
• For scheduled substances in Category 3, an export authorisation is required for exports to countries identified as particularly vulnerable to drug diversion.

Note: an import or export authorisation may only be used once and is valid for a single shipment. Each authorisation may cover a maximum of two scheduled substances (drug precursors).

Application procedure
Separate application forms exist for import and export:

• Import authorisation application form
• Export authorisation application form

Since 1 May 2025, scanned application forms with handwritten signatures are no longer accepted, in accordance with the Royal Decree of 20 January 2025 concerning the regulation of drug precursors.
The forms must be signed by the responsible person mentioned on the licence or registration. Use this overview to check which fields are mandatory, optional or already pre-filled for the type of authorisation you are applying for. Only correctly and fully completed forms with a valid qualified electronic signature will be processed.

Send the completed form, together with all required supporting documents (such as a foreign import permit or a LONO), by email to drugprecursor@fagg-afmps.be.
Applications not accompanied by the necessary documents will not be processed. Always keep the original documents carefully for record-keeping.

Storage and inspection
For both import and export (except Category 4 substances), you are required to:

• Keep the original authorisation, all submitted application documents, and supporting evidence for three years from the end of the calendar year in which the transaction took place.
• Make these documents and data available to the competent authorities upon request for inspection.

Validity period

• An import authorisation is valid for six months from the date of issuance.
• An export authorisation is valid for a maximum of six months from the date of issuance.

The scheduled substances must enter (import) or leave (export) the customs territory of the European Union within this validity period. Authorities may suspend or revoke an authorisation if misuse is suspected (e.g., illegal drug production).

Return of authorisation copies

• Import authorisation: copy 3 accompanies the scheduled substance from the point of entry into the Union's customs territory to the importer’s premises. The importer must return this copy by post to the FAMHP (Precursors Team).
• Export authorisation: copy 2 accompanies the scheduled substance and is presented to the customs office where the export declaration is made, and then to the competent authority at the place of exit. The competent authority at the point of exit sends copy 2 back by post to the FAMHP (Precursors Team).

Cancellation
If an import or export authorisation is not used, all copies must be returned by post to the FAMHP Precursors Team no later than the expiry date.

Fees
Each issued import and export authorisation is subject to a fee. This is indexed annually. It does not need to be paid in advance, but will be invoiced after the authorisation has been issued.