Guidance

Controlled drugs: standard operating procedures

Documenting standard operating procedures: guidelines for companies applying for a controlled drug licence.

• From: Home Office
• Published: 10 March 2013
• Last updated: 2 July 2025
  Show all updates

  1. 2 July 2025

     Added details on the principles and structure of standard operating procedures, and on applying for a controlled drugs or precursor chemicals licence.

  2. 10 March 2013

     First published.

Documents

Controlled drugs: standard operating procedure guidelines

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If your company needs to apply for a licence to transport controlled drugs, you should read this guidance before you apply.

The document contains a list of headings which should form the basis of standard operating procedures to ensure that security requirements are met.

You can read more information about the application process and further drugs licensing guidance documents before applying.