Definition and Registration of Reverse Distributors

DEA is amending its regulations to define the term "reverse distributor" and to establish a new category of registration for persons handling controlled substances. The amendments establish the regulatory standards under which reverse distributors may handle unwanted, unusable, or outdated controlled substances acquired from another DEA registrant. These standards ensure the proper documentation and recordkeeping necessary to prevent diversion of such controlled substances to illegal purposes. Since this amendment mostly codifies DEA's existing practices, it will have no significant impact on existing reverse distributors.