Risk classification guide for Class A precursor observations (CSP-GUI-019): Overview
Download in PDF format
(402 KB, 19 pages)
- Organization: Health Canada
- Published: 2026-06-16
This guide describes the inspection rating process for Health Canada inspections of Class A precursors (precursors) licensed dealers. When inspections are conducted, this document will be used as a guide in how risk is assigned to the observations noted during an inspection.
On this page
Who this guide is for
This guidance document is for people (licensed dealers) who conduct the following regulated activities with precursors:
- produce
- package
- sell or provide
- import
- export
About this guide
Scope
This guide applies to all Class A precursors (precursors) listed under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (the Act). Precursors, including, but not limited to, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, norephedrine, and potassium permanganate, are chemicals that can be used in the production of controlled substances. A controlled substance can change someone's mental state and may cause harm to personal and public health when misused or diverted to the illegal market.
Inspections are conducted under section 31 of the Act to assess compliance with the Precursor Control Regulations (the Regulations). This document applies to initial, regular and targeted inspections. Health Canada's Policy document on inspection strategy for licensed dealers of controlled substances and Class A precursors provides definitions for each of these types of inspections.
Purpose
Health Canada inspects precursor licensed dealers to assess compliance with the Act and Regulations. As a licensed dealer, you have an important role to play in minimizing the potential risk of diversion of precursors to the illegal market.
This guide will help you understand the classification of observations noted during an inspection.
How to use this guide
The document uses an "important" icon in some sections to highlight a key piece of information that you should know. Use it as a way for you to better understand the inspection rating process.
Important: Key or cautionary information to know.
Guidance documents are administrative tools that do not have the force of law. Should any information in this guide conflict with the legislation (the Act or Regulations), the legislation prevails.
Introduction
Health Canada inspects precursor licensed dealers to verify compliance with the Act and Regulations. Inspectors also verify that adequate security measures are in place at the site listed on your licence to minimize the potential risk of diversion of precursors to illegal markets. When Health Canada conducts an inspection and notes a situation where requirements of the Act or Regulations have not been met, they note the deficiency as an observation and classify its severity based on risk. This guide outlines the process of assigning risk ratings to observations and provides some common examples.
For more information on how to meet the regulatory requirements, see Guidance for licensed dealers on conducting activities with Class A precursors (CS-GD-018).
Note about guidance documents in general
Guidance documents are meant to provide assistance to industry and health care professionals on how to comply with governing laws and regulations. Guidance documents also assist Health Canada staff, so that the laws and regulations are administered in a manner that is fair, consistent, and effective.
Guidance documents are administrative instruments not having force of law and, as such, allow for flexibility in approach. Alternate approaches to the principles and practices described in this document may be acceptable provided they are supported by adequate justification. Alternate approaches should be discussed with the relevant program area in advance to ensure compliance with all applicable statutory or regulatory requirements.
It is important to note that Health Canada reserves the right to request information or material, or define conditions not specifically described in this document, in order to allow the Department to adequately assess the safety and security of controlled substances and precursors. Health Canada is committed to ensuring that such requests are justifiable and that decisions are clearly documented.