Reporting CSARs
The information on these pages is for general purposes and guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. All the information on these pages relates to circumstances prevailing at the date of publication. If you are uncertain about any aspect of the relevant laws and procedures you should seek assistance from your representative body or legal advisor. (Last reviewed December 2009)
On March 7th 2008 The Controlled Drugs (Drug Precursors) (Intra-Community Trade) Regulations 2008 and The Controlled Drugs (Drug Precursors) (Community External Trade) Regulations 2008 came into force. These Regulations give full effect to the relevant EU Regulations in the UK. The Regulations impose licence and suspicious activity reporting obligations on those dealing in scheduled substances. It is a criminal offence to fail to comply with the requirements of the regulations.
The Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) is the designated UK competent authority for the notification of suspicious activity relating to drug precursor chemicals. Within SOCA the Chemical Control Team (CCT) has responsibility for this function.
The CCT receives Chemical Suspicious Activity Reports (CSARs) concerning enquiries or orders that are made to operators within the chemical or allied industries. CSARs help to counter diversion of controlled substances, in accordance with the EU and UK legislation, and non-controlled substances and equipment into illicit drug production. The CCT also receive CSARs concerning enquiries or orders that are made to operators within the chemical or allied industries in order to counter any other potential criminal activity, such as chemicals or equipment used in home made explosives or other terrorist activities (please see the Should I submit a CSAR to SOCA CCT flowchart), and chemicals used as abused substances in their own right.
CSARs contribute intelligence to existing law enforcement operations, identify reckless or deliberate acts of chemical diversion, and initiate investigations into previously unknown criminal individuals or organisations.
Confidentiality is something that SOCA takes seriously and we are keen to create an environment within which the reporters and SOCA can communicate securely. Upon receipt of a CSAR the CCT will deal with this information in accordance with its functions as defined by section 3 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.
The CCT section of the SOCA website aims to give background to the legislation concerning drug precursors and to give guidance about submitting a Chemical Suspicious Activity Report (CSAR). The following pages are contained:
Drug Precursor Chemical Legislation
Licensing and Regulatory Body for precursor chemicals (Home Office)
Should I Submit a CSAR to SOCA CCT (Flow Chart)?
CSAR Form and Completion Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
CHEMICALS ASSOCIATED WITH POTENTIAL TERRORIST MISUSE
ANTI TERRORIST HOTLINE - 0800 789321
The SOCA Chemical Control Team and CSARs should not be viewed as a replacement for contacting the Anti Terrorist Hotline directly, in circumstances when an operator has reasonable grounds to suspect that the actual intention or potential end-uses of a substance might relate to terrorism.
It is a criminal offence in the UK to facilitate or assist acts of terrorism.
Chemicals associated with licit use often have a number of other illicit end uses. SOCA recognises that it may not be possible for an operator to determine, beyond an expression of a concern, what end purpose a substance might, if sold, be diverted into. In such circumstances SOCA is able to receive notifications and, if appropriate, direct information onto the relevant authorities.
The UK National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) promotes an awareness raising scheme which encourages businesses and individuals to report suspicious activities and transactions involving chemicals and equipment of security concern. For more information visit the NaCTSO website.