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Argentina has tightened controls on dozens of chemicals that can be used to manufacture illegal drugs, in a move aimed at staying ahead of changing narcotics production methods.

A presidential decree published on the 3rd of March 2026 updates the country’s list of regulated chemical precursors, adding 56 substances in total. Officials say many of them are linked to the production of synthetic drugs such as fentanyl, MDMA, amphetamines, ketamine and other potent substances, while some are “designer” precursors created to bypass existing controls.

The government says the changes reflect growing concern over the spread of synthetic drugs and the emergence of new supply routes in Latin America and beyond. Some of the newly listed substances have legitimate industrial uses, including in solvents, pigments, pesticides and pharmaceuticals, but authorities argue that stricter monitoring is needed to prevent them from being diverted into illegal drug production.

Under the new rules, companies and individuals dealing with these chemicals will face tighter oversight on their import, export, storage, transport and sale. The decree updates an earlier 2019 framework and takes effect from the date of its publication in Argentina’s Official Gazette on the 4th of March 2026.