Specific Listing for 4F-MDMB-BINACA, a Currently Controlled Schedule I Substance, 32633-32635 [2021-13040]
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32633
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 86, No. 117
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents.
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Drug Enforcement Administration
21 CFR Part 1308
[Docket No. DEA–819]
Specific Listing for 4F–MDMB–
BINACA, a Currently Controlled
Schedule I Substance
Drug Enforcement
Administration, Department of Justice.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The Drug Enforcement
Administration is establishing a specific
listing and Administration Controlled
Substances Code Number (drug code)
for 4F–MDMB–BINACA (also known as
4F–MDMB–BUTINACA or methyl 2-(1(4-fluorobutyl)-1H-indazole-3carboxamido)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate) in
schedule I of the Controlled Substances
Act (CSA). Although 4F–MDMB–
BINACA is not specifically listed in
schedule I of the CSA with its own
unique drug code, it has been controlled
in the United States since April 2017 as
a positional isomer of 5F–AMB, a
schedule I hallucinogen. Therefore, DEA
is simply amending the schedule I
hallucinogenic substances list in its
regulations to separately include 4F–
MDMB–BINACA.
DATES: Effective June 22, 2021.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Terrence L. Boos, Drug and Chemical
Evaluation, Diversion Control Division,
Drug Enforcement Administration;
Telephone: (571) 362–3249.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
4F–MDMB–BINACA Control
4F–MDMB–BINACA (also known as
4F–MDMB–BUTINACA or methyl 2-(1(4-fluorobutyl)-1H-indazole-3carboxamido)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate) is
a chemical substance which is
structurally related to 5F–AMB (also
known as methyl 2-(1-(5-fluoropentyl)1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)-3-
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methylbutanoate). 5F–AMB is listed as
a hallucinogenic substance in schedule
I at 21 CFR 1308.11(d)(74). The
introductory text to subparagraph (d)
provides: (1) A listed substance includes
‘‘any of its salts, isomers, and salts of
isomers whenever the existence of such
salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is
possible,’’ and (2) the term ‘‘isomer’’
includes the optical, position[al], and
geometric isomers.
When compared to the chemical
structure of 5F–AMB, 4F–MDMB–
BINACA meets the statutory definition
of a positional isomer in 21 CFR
1300.01(b), which cross-references the
term ‘‘positional isomer’’ in 21 CFR
1308.11(d). Both 5F–AMB and 4F–
MDMB–BINACA possess the same
molecular formula and core structure,
and have the same functional groups.
They only differ from one another by a
rearrangement of an alkyl moiety
between functional groups.
Accordingly, under 21 CFR 1308.11(d),
4F–MDMB–BINACA, as a positional
isomer of 5F–AMB, has been and
continues to be a schedule I controlled
substance.1
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s
Authority To Control 4F–MDMB–
BINACA
This rule is prompted by a letter dated
May 7, 2020, in which the United States
government was informed by the
Secretary-General of the United Nations
that 4F–MDMB–BINACA has been
added to Schedule II of the Convention
on Psychotropic Substances of 1971
(1971 Convention). This letter was
prompted by a decision at the 63rd
Session of the Commission on Narcotic
Drugs (CND) in March 2020 to schedule
4F–MDMB–BINACA under Schedule II
of the 1971 Convention (CND Dec/63/8).
Preceding this decision, the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA), on behalf of
the Secretary of Health and Human
Services and pursuant to 21 U.S.C.
811(d)(2), published two notices in the
Federal Register with an opportunity to
submit domestic information and
opportunity to comment on this action,
Sept. 10, 2019, 84 FR 47521 and Dec.
1 5F–AMB (and its isomers) has been subject to
schedule I controls since April 2017, first pursuant
to a temporary scheduling order (April 10, 2017, 82
FR 17119) and the subsequent one-year extension
of that order (April 8, 2019, 84 FR 13796), and then
permanently pursuant to a final rule which
continued the imposition of those controls (Jan. 24,
2020, 85 FR 4211).
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
31, 2019, 84 FR 72370. In both
instances, FDA noted that 4F–MDMB–
BINACA was already controlled in
schedule I of the Controlled Substances
Act (CSA) as a positional isomer of 5F–
AMB, and the December 2019 notice
stated that no additional permanent
controls for 4F–MDMB–BINACA under
the CSA would be necessary to fulfill
United States’ obligations as a party to
the 1971 Convention.
As discussed above in this final rule,
4F–MDMB–BINACA—by virtue of being
a positional isomer of 5F–AMB—has
been controlled in schedule I of the CSA
temporarily since April 10, 2017 (82 FR
17119), and permanently since January
24, 2020 (85 FR 4211). Therefore, all
regulations and criminal sanctions
applicable to schedule I substances have
been and remain applicable to 4F–
MDMB–BINACA. Drugs controlled in
schedule I of the CSA satisfy and exceed
the required domestic controls of
Schedule II under Article 2 of the 1971
Convention.
Effect of Action
As discussed above, this rule does not
affect the continuing status of 4F–
MDMB–BINACA as a schedule I
controlled substance in any way. This
action, as an administrative matter,
merely establishes a separate, specific
listing for 4F–MDMB–BINACA in
schedule I of the CSA and assigns a DEA
controlled substances code number
(drug code) for the substance. This
action will allow DEA to establish an
aggregate production quota and grant
individual manufacturing and
procurement quotas to DEA-registered
manufacturers of 4F–MDMB–BINACA,
who had previously been granted
individual quotas for such purposes
under the drug code for 5F–AMB.
Regulatory Analyses
Administrative Procedure Act
An agency may find good cause to
exempt a rule from certain provisions of
the Administrative Procedure Act (APA)
(5 U.S.C. 553), including notice of
proposed rulemaking and the
opportunity for public comment, if it is
determined to be unnecessary,
impracticable, or contrary to the public
interest. 4F–MDMB–BINACA is
currently controlled in schedule I as a
positional isomer of 5F–AMB, and 4F–
MDMB–BINACA has no currently
accepted medical use in treatment to
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 117 / Tuesday, June 22, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
qualify for placement in a schedule
other than schedule I (see 21 U.S.C.
812(b)(2)–(5)).
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B), DEA
finds that notice and comment
rulemaking is unnecessary and that
good cause exists to dispense with these
procedures. The addition of a separate
listing 4F–MDMB–BINACA and its DEA
controlled substances code number in
the list of schedule I substances in 21
CFR 1308.11(d) makes no substantive
difference in the status of this drug as
a schedule I controlled substance, but
instead is ‘‘a minor or merely technical
amendment in which the public is not
particularly interested.’’ National
Nutritional Foods Ass’n v. Kennedy, 572
F.2d 377, 385 (2d Cir. 1978) (quoting S.
Rep. No. 79–752, at 200 (1945)). See also
Utility Solid Waste Activities Group v.
E.P.A., 236 F.3d 749, 755 (D.C. Cir.
2001) (the ‘‘unnecessary’’ prong ‘‘is
confined to those situations in which
the administrative rule is a routine
determination, insignificant in nature
and impact, and inconsequential to the
industry and public’’) (int. quotations
and citation omitted). This rule is a
‘‘technical amendment’’ to 21 CFR
1308.11(d) as it is ‘‘insignificant in
nature and impact, and inconsequential
to the industry and public.’’ Therefore,
publishing a notice of proposed
rulemaking and soliciting public
comment are unnecessary.
In addition, because 4F–MDMB–
BINACA is already subject to domestic
control under schedule I as a positional
isomer of 5F–AMB and no additional
requirements are being imposed through
this action, DEA finds good cause exists
to make this rule effective immediately
upon publication in accordance with 5
U.S.C. 553(d)(3). DEA is concerned that
delaying the effective date of this rule
potentially could cause confusion
regarding the regulatory status of 4F–
MDMB–BINACA. 4F–MDMB–BINACA
is currently controlled as a schedule I
controlled substance, and this level of
control does not change with this
rulemaking.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
Executive Orders 12866 (Regulatory
Planning and Review) and 13563
(Improving Regulation and Regulatory
Review)
This regulation has been drafted and
reviewed in accordance with the
principles of Executive Orders (E.O.)
12866 and 13563. This rule is not a
significant regulatory action under E.O.
12866. 4F–MDMB–BINACA already is a
controlled substance in the United
States under schedule I, as it is a
positional isomer of a schedule I
hallucinogen, 5F–AMB. In this final
rule, DEA is merely making an
administrative change by amending its
regulations to separately list 4F–
MDMB–BINACA in schedule I and to
assign the DEA controlled substances
code number 7043 to the substance. A
separate listing for 4F–MDMB–BINACA
and its DEA controlled substances code
number will not alter the status of 4F–
MDMB–BINACA as a schedule I
controlled substance. Accordingly, this
rule has not been reviewed by the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB).
Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice
Reform
This regulation meets the applicable
standards set forth in sections 3(a) and
3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988 to eliminate
drafting errors and ambiguity, provide a
clear legal standard for affected conduct,
and promote simplification and burden
reduction.
Executive Order 13132, Federalism
This rulemaking does not have
federalism implications warranting the
application of E.O. 13132. The rule does
not have substantial direct effects on the
States, on the relationship between the
national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
Executive Order 13175, Consultation
and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
This rule does not have tribal
implications warranting the application
of E.O. 13175. It does not have
substantial direct effects on one or more
Indian tribes, on the relationship
between the Federal government and
Indian tribes, or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities between the
Federal government and Indian tribes.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
(5 U.S.C. 601–612) applies to rules that
are subject to notice and comment
under section 553(b) of the APA or other
laws. As noted in the above section
regarding the applicability of the APA,
DEA determined that there was good
cause to exempt this final rule from
notice and comment. Consequently, the
RFA does not apply.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
This action does not impose a new
collection of information requirement
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995. 44 U.S.C. 3501–3521. This action
would not impose recordkeeping or
reporting requirements on State or local
governments, individuals, businesses, or
organizations. An agency may not
conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, a collection of
information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
In accordance with the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) of 1995,
2 U.S.C. 1532, DEA has determined that
this action would not result in any
Federal mandate that may result ‘‘in the
expenditure by State, local, and tribal
governments, in the aggregate, or by the
private sector, of $100,000,000 or more
(adjusted annually for inflation) in any
1 year.’’ Therefore, neither a Small
Government Agency Plan nor any other
action is required under UMRA of 1995.
Congressional Review Act
This rule is not a major rule as
defined by the Congressional Review
Act (CRA), 5 U.S.C. 804. However,
pursuant to the CRA, DEA is submitting
a copy of this rule to both Houses of
Congress and to the Comptroller
General.
List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 1308
Administrative practice and
procedure, Drug traffic control,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
For the reasons set out above, DEA
amends 21 CFR part 1308 as follows:
PART 1308—SCHEDULES OF
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
1. The authority citation for part 1308
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 811, 812, 871(b),
956(b), unless otherwise noted.
2. Amend § 1308.11 by adding
paragraph (d)(87) to read as follows:
■
§ 1308.11
*
Schedule I.
*
*
(d) * * *
*
*
(87) methyl 2-(1-(4-fluorobutyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate (4F–MDMB–BINACA, 4F–MDMB–
BUTINACA) ...............................................................................................................................................................................................
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 117 / Tuesday, June 22, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
*
*
*
*
regulation for Southern California
annual fireworks events for the San
Diego Captain of the Port Zone
identifies the regulated area for the
events. Under the provisions of
§ 165.1123, a vessel may not enter the
regulated area, unless it receives
permission from the Captain of the Port,
or his designated representative.
Spectator vessels may safely transit
outside the regulated area but may not
anchor, block, loiter, or impede the
transit of participants or official patrol
vessels. The Coast Guard may be
assisted by other Federal, State, or Local
law enforcement agencies in enforcing
this regulation.
In addition to this notice of
enforcement in the Federal Register, the
Coast Guard plans to provide
notification of this enforcement period
via the Local Notice to Mariners.
*
D. Christopher Evans,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2021–13040 Filed 6–21–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410–09–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 165
[Docket No. USCG–2021–0401]
Safety Zone; Southern California
Annual Fireworks for the San Diego
Captain of the Port Zone
Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of enforcement of
regulation.
AGENCY:
The Coast Guard will enforce
a safety zone for the Sea World
Fireworks for nightly shows from
Memorial Day to Labor Day in 2021, to
provide for the safety of life on
navigable waterways during this event.
Our regulation for the Southern
California annual fireworks for the San
Diego Captain of the Port Zone
identifies the regulated area for the
events. During the enforcement period,
no spectators shall anchor, block, loiter
in, or impede the transit of official
patrol vessels in the regulated area
without the approval of the Captain of
the Port, or his designated
representative.
DATES: The regulations 33 CFR 165.1123
will be enforced for the location
identified in Item 7 of Table 1 to
§ 165.1123 from 8:30 p.m. until 10 p.m.,
each day without actual notice from
June 22, 2021 through September 6,
2021. For the purposes of enforcement,
actual notice will be used from June 15,
2021 until June 22, 2021.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
you have questions about this notice of
enforcement, call or email Lieutenant
Commander John Santorum, Waterways
Management, U.S. Coast Guard Sector
San Diego, CA; telephone 619–278–
7656, email MarineEventsSD@uscg.mil.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Coast
Guard will enforce the regulations in 33
CFR 165.1123 for a safety zone for the
Sea World Fireworks on the waters of
Mission Bay, CA in § 165.1123, Table 1,
Item 7 of that section, from 8:30 p.m.
until 10 p.m. on specific evenings from
Memorial Day to Labor Day in 2021.
This action is being taken to provide for
the safety of life on navigable waterways
during the fireworks events. Our
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SUMMARY:
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Dated: June 15, 2021.
T.J. Barelli,
Captain, U. S. Coast Guard, Captain of the
Port San Diego.
[FR Doc. 2021–13022 Filed 6–21–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110–04–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 165
[Docket Number USCG–2021–0435]
RIN 1625–AA00
Safety Zone; Northeast Shelter Island
Closure, San Diego, CA
Coast Guard, DHS.
Temporary final rule.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Coast Guard is
establishing a temporary safety zone
covering the channel closure for the
Northeast Shelter Island Channel
Entrance. The safety zone is needed to
protect personnel, vessels, and the
marine environment from potential
hazards created by the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife
(CDFW) Oil Spill Prevention and
Response (OSPR) Sensitive Site Strategy
Evaluation Program (SSSEP) boom
deployment exercise. Entry of vessels or
persons into this zone is prohibited
unless specifically authorized by the
Captain of the Port Sector San Diego.
DATES: This rule is effective from 8:30
a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on June 22, 2021.
ADDRESSES: To view documents
mentioned in this preamble as being
available in the docket, go to https://
www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2021–
0435 in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click
SUMMARY:
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32635
‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open Docket
Folder on the line associate with this
rule.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
you have questions on this rule, call or
email LCDR John Santorum, Waterways
Management, U.S. Coast Guard Sector
San Diego, Coast Guard; telephone 619–
278–7656, email MarineEventsSD@
uscg.mil.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Table of Abbreviations
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
§ Section
U.S.C. United States Code
II. Background Information and
Regulatory History
The Coast Guard is issuing this
temporary rule without prior notice and
opportunity to comment pursuant to
authority under section 4(a) of the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 553(b)). This provision
authorizes an agency to issue a rule
without prior notice and opportunity to
comment when the agency for good
cause finds that those procedures are
‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary
to the public interest.’’ Under 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that
good cause exists for not publishing a
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
with respect to this rule because NPRM
would be impracticable. The Coast
Guard did not receive the details of the
Sensitive Site Strategy Evaluation
Program boom deployment excersise
with enough time to solicit and repond
to public comments on an NPRM. As
such, the channel closure on June 22,
2021 would occur before an NPRM and
final rule could be issued.
Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast
Guard finds that good cause exists for
making this rule effective less than 30
days after publication in the Federal
Register. Delaying the effective date of
this rule would be contrary to the public
interest, because action is necessary to
protect personnel, vessels, and the
marine environment from the dangers
associated with the CDFW OSPR SSSEP
boom deployment exercise on June 22,
2021.
III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule
The Coast Guard is issuing this rule
under authority in 46 U.S.C. 70034
(previously 33 U.S.C. 1231). The
Captain of the Port Sector San Diego
(COTP) has determined that potential
hazards associated with the CDFW
OSPR SSSEP boom deployment exercise
will be a safety concern to anyone
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 117 (Tuesday, June 22, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32633-32635]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13040]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 117 / Tuesday, June 22, 2021 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 32633]]
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Drug Enforcement Administration
21 CFR Part 1308
[Docket No. DEA-819]
Specific Listing for 4F-MDMB-BINACA, a Currently Controlled
Schedule I Substance
AGENCY: Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Drug Enforcement Administration is establishing a specific
listing and Administration Controlled Substances Code Number (drug
code) for 4F-MDMB-BINACA (also known as 4F-MDMB-BUTINACA or methyl 2-
(1-(4-fluorobutyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate) in
schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Although 4F-MDMB-
BINACA is not specifically listed in schedule I of the CSA with its own
unique drug code, it has been controlled in the United States since
April 2017 as a positional isomer of 5F-AMB, a schedule I hallucinogen.
Therefore, DEA is simply amending the schedule I hallucinogenic
substances list in its regulations to separately include 4F-MDMB-
BINACA.
DATES: Effective June 22, 2021.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terrence L. Boos, Drug and Chemical
Evaluation, Diversion Control Division, Drug Enforcement
Administration; Telephone: (571) 362-3249.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
4F-MDMB-BINACA Control
4F-MDMB-BINACA (also known as 4F-MDMB-BUTINACA or methyl 2-(1-(4-
fluorobutyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate) is a
chemical substance which is structurally related to 5F-AMB (also known
as methyl 2-(1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)-3-
methylbutanoate). 5F-AMB is listed as a hallucinogenic substance in
schedule I at 21 CFR 1308.11(d)(74). The introductory text to
subparagraph (d) provides: (1) A listed substance includes ``any of its
salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of such
salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible,'' and (2) the term
``isomer'' includes the optical, position[al], and geometric isomers.
When compared to the chemical structure of 5F-AMB, 4F-MDMB-BINACA
meets the statutory definition of a positional isomer in 21 CFR
1300.01(b), which cross-references the term ``positional isomer'' in 21
CFR 1308.11(d). Both 5F-AMB and 4F-MDMB-BINACA possess the same
molecular formula and core structure, and have the same functional
groups. They only differ from one another by a rearrangement of an
alkyl moiety between functional groups. Accordingly, under 21 CFR
1308.11(d), 4F-MDMB-BINACA, as a positional isomer of 5F-AMB, has been
and continues to be a schedule I controlled substance.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ 5F-AMB (and its isomers) has been subject to schedule I
controls since April 2017, first pursuant to a temporary scheduling
order (April 10, 2017, 82 FR 17119) and the subsequent one-year
extension of that order (April 8, 2019, 84 FR 13796), and then
permanently pursuant to a final rule which continued the imposition
of those controls (Jan. 24, 2020, 85 FR 4211).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Drug Enforcement Administration's Authority To Control 4F-MDMB-
BINACA
This rule is prompted by a letter dated May 7, 2020, in which the
United States government was informed by the Secretary-General of the
United Nations that 4F-MDMB-BINACA has been added to Schedule II of the
Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 (1971 Convention). This
letter was prompted by a decision at the 63rd Session of the Commission
on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in March 2020 to schedule 4F-MDMB-BINACA under
Schedule II of the 1971 Convention (CND Dec/63/8). Preceding this
decision, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), on behalf of the
Secretary of Health and Human Services and pursuant to 21 U.S.C.
811(d)(2), published two notices in the Federal Register with an
opportunity to submit domestic information and opportunity to comment
on this action, Sept. 10, 2019, 84 FR 47521 and Dec. 31, 2019, 84 FR
72370. In both instances, FDA noted that 4F-MDMB-BINACA was already
controlled in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as a
positional isomer of 5F-AMB, and the December 2019 notice stated that
no additional permanent controls for 4F-MDMB-BINACA under the CSA would
be necessary to fulfill United States' obligations as a party to the
1971 Convention.
As discussed above in this final rule, 4F-MDMB-BINACA--by virtue of
being a positional isomer of 5F-AMB--has been controlled in schedule I
of the CSA temporarily since April 10, 2017 (82 FR 17119), and
permanently since January 24, 2020 (85 FR 4211). Therefore, all
regulations and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I substances
have been and remain applicable to 4F-MDMB-BINACA. Drugs controlled in
schedule I of the CSA satisfy and exceed the required domestic controls
of Schedule II under Article 2 of the 1971 Convention.
Effect of Action
As discussed above, this rule does not affect the continuing status
of 4F-MDMB-BINACA as a schedule I controlled substance in any way. This
action, as an administrative matter, merely establishes a separate,
specific listing for 4F-MDMB-BINACA in schedule I of the CSA and
assigns a DEA controlled substances code number (drug code) for the
substance. This action will allow DEA to establish an aggregate
production quota and grant individual manufacturing and procurement
quotas to DEA-registered manufacturers of 4F-MDMB-BINACA, who had
previously been granted individual quotas for such purposes under the
drug code for 5F-AMB.
Regulatory Analyses
Administrative Procedure Act
An agency may find good cause to exempt a rule from certain
provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553),
including notice of proposed rulemaking and the opportunity for public
comment, if it is determined to be unnecessary, impracticable, or
contrary to the public interest. 4F-MDMB-BINACA is currently controlled
in schedule I as a positional isomer of 5F-AMB, and 4F-MDMB-BINACA has
no currently accepted medical use in treatment to
[[Page 32634]]
qualify for placement in a schedule other than schedule I (see 21
U.S.C. 812(b)(2)-(5)).
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B), DEA finds that notice and
comment rulemaking is unnecessary and that good cause exists to
dispense with these procedures. The addition of a separate listing 4F-
MDMB-BINACA and its DEA controlled substances code number in the list
of schedule I substances in 21 CFR 1308.11(d) makes no substantive
difference in the status of this drug as a schedule I controlled
substance, but instead is ``a minor or merely technical amendment in
which the public is not particularly interested.'' National Nutritional
Foods Ass'n v. Kennedy, 572 F.2d 377, 385 (2d Cir. 1978) (quoting S.
Rep. No. 79-752, at 200 (1945)). See also Utility Solid Waste
Activities Group v. E.P.A., 236 F.3d 749, 755 (D.C. Cir. 2001) (the
``unnecessary'' prong ``is confined to those situations in which the
administrative rule is a routine determination, insignificant in nature
and impact, and inconsequential to the industry and public'') (int.
quotations and citation omitted). This rule is a ``technical
amendment'' to 21 CFR 1308.11(d) as it is ``insignificant in nature and
impact, and inconsequential to the industry and public.'' Therefore,
publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking and soliciting public
comment are unnecessary.
In addition, because 4F-MDMB-BINACA is already subject to domestic
control under schedule I as a positional isomer of 5F-AMB and no
additional requirements are being imposed through this action, DEA
finds good cause exists to make this rule effective immediately upon
publication in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). DEA is concerned
that delaying the effective date of this rule potentially could cause
confusion regarding the regulatory status of 4F-MDMB-BINACA. 4F-MDMB-
BINACA is currently controlled as a schedule I controlled substance,
and this level of control does not change with this rulemaking.
Executive Orders 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and 13563
(Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review)
This regulation has been drafted and reviewed in accordance with
the principles of Executive Orders (E.O.) 12866 and 13563. This rule is
not a significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866. 4F-MDMB-BINACA
already is a controlled substance in the United States under schedule
I, as it is a positional isomer of a schedule I hallucinogen, 5F-AMB.
In this final rule, DEA is merely making an administrative change by
amending its regulations to separately list 4F-MDMB-BINACA in schedule
I and to assign the DEA controlled substances code number 7043 to the
substance. A separate listing for 4F-MDMB-BINACA and its DEA controlled
substances code number will not alter the status of 4F-MDMB-BINACA as a
schedule I controlled substance. Accordingly, this rule has not been
reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform
This regulation meets the applicable standards set forth in
sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988 to eliminate drafting errors
and ambiguity, provide a clear legal standard for affected conduct, and
promote simplification and burden reduction.
Executive Order 13132, Federalism
This rulemaking does not have federalism implications warranting
the application of E.O. 13132. The rule does not have substantial
direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
This rule does not have tribal implications warranting the
application of E.O. 13175. It does not have substantial direct effects
on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal
government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal government and Indian tribes.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601-612) applies to
rules that are subject to notice and comment under section 553(b) of
the APA or other laws. As noted in the above section regarding the
applicability of the APA, DEA determined that there was good cause to
exempt this final rule from notice and comment. Consequently, the RFA
does not apply.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
This action does not impose a new collection of information
requirement under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. 44 U.S.C. 3501-
3521. This action would not impose recordkeeping or reporting
requirements on State or local governments, individuals, businesses, or
organizations. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is
not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it
displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
In accordance with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) of 1995,
2 U.S.C. 1532, DEA has determined that this action would not result in
any Federal mandate that may result ``in the expenditure by State,
local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private
sector, of $100,000,000 or more (adjusted annually for inflation) in
any 1 year.'' Therefore, neither a Small Government Agency Plan nor any
other action is required under UMRA of 1995.
Congressional Review Act
This rule is not a major rule as defined by the Congressional
Review Act (CRA), 5 U.S.C. 804. However, pursuant to the CRA, DEA is
submitting a copy of this rule to both Houses of Congress and to the
Comptroller General.
List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 1308
Administrative practice and procedure, Drug traffic control,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
For the reasons set out above, DEA amends 21 CFR part 1308 as
follows:
PART 1308--SCHEDULES OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
0
1. The authority citation for part 1308 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 811, 812, 871(b), 956(b), unless otherwise
noted.
0
2. Amend Sec. 1308.11 by adding paragraph (d)(87) to read as follows:
Sec. 1308.11 Schedule I.
* * * * *
(d) * * *
(87) methyl 2-(1-(4-fluorobutyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)- 7043
3,3-dimethylbutanoate (4F-MDMB-BINACA, 4F-MDMB-BUTINACA).....
[[Page 32635]]
* * * * *
D. Christopher Evans,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2021-13040 Filed 6-21-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-09-P