Controlled Substances Act, No.2 of 2023.

This Act comprising 52 Sections aims to (i) provide for the granting of a license to deal in, manufacture, import and export a controlled substance, meaning a narcotic drug, psychotropic substance or precursor chemical set out in the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Schedules; (ii) regulate the use, dispensing, manufacture, wholesale, transfer, supply, sell, distribution and possession of a controlled substance for medicinal, scientific and research purposes; (iii) provide for procedures and criteria for classification of controlled substances; (iv) provide for the functions of the Zambia Medicines and Regulatory Authority relating to controlled substances.
The Act empowers the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority to administer the Act and perform various functions related to controlled substances (Sections 3 and 4). It mandates that individuals must secure a license from the Authority for activities involving the manufacture, importation, exportation, trading, or promotion of controlled substances, unless they pertain to those specified in the Sixth Schedule (Sections 5-13). Specifically, Sections 14-26 establish the guidelines and procedures for the utilization, dispensing, manufacturing, supply, distribution, sale, prescription, and dispensing of controlled substances. Meanwhile, Sections 27-31 address the categorization and exemption of controlled substances based on their potential for abuse and legitimate use. The Act also imposes a requirement for individuals or institutions possessing controlled substances to maintain comprehensive records, inventories, and registers of these substances (Sections 32-34). Authorized officers are provided with the authority to inspect, search, and seize any premises, documents, or articles related to controlled substances under Sections 35 and 36. Lastly, Sections 37 to 43 outline the offenses and corresponding penalties for various violations of the Act, including maintaining premises associated with controlled substances, selling or supplying controlled substances to minors, and possessing or using prepared opium.