DEA finalizes rule on reporting theft and significant loss of controlled substances

NCPA June 30, 2023

The DEA recently published a final rule, effective July 24, 2023, which amends the regulations regarding DEA Form 106, used by registrants to formally report thefts or significant losses of controlled substances. The final rule requires that all DEA Form 106s be submitted electronically. DEA will allow registrants 45 days from discovery of the theft or significant loss to submit the form, up from the agency’s original proposal of 15 days. (In comments to the proposed rule back in September 2020, NCPA requested a 60-day timeframe, and alternately supported the proposed 15-day timeframe if that was implemented after the COVID-19 PHE ended.) Notably, the final rule does not change the requirement that registrants preliminarily notify their area DEA Field Division Office of the theft or significant loss of any controlled substances in writing within one business day of discovering such loss or theft. Paper copies of DEA Form 106 will no longer be accepted once the final rule becomes effective.

NCPA