It’s more important now than ever to be cautious in storing and transporting controlled substances. And particularly for pharmaceutical importers, security is critical.

For small quantities, in any category of substance, importers should store these materials in an Underwriters Lab (UL) listed burglary-resistant safe with a Group 1-R lock or a Class V-rated security container. A Class V security container should afford the following:

• 30 man minutes against surreptitious entry
• 10 man minutes against forced entry
• 20 man hours against lock manipulation
• 20 man hours against radiological attack

Furthermore, this safe or security container should be bolted, strapped or secured to the floor or the wall. Depending on the quantity and type of pharmaceutical being stored, an alarm system connected to police or other security agency is critical too.

Large quantities of CI&II Controlled Substances – those that are too large for safe or security storage – carry further regulations. A vault is required, with UL-listed vault panels or at least eight inches of concrete or masonry plus steel reinforcement. Like their smaller counterparts, large quantities require an alarm system too. And if operations require frequent access, the vault door should have a self-closing and self-locking day gate. For large quantities of CIII-V Controlled substances, choose a building or area within a building plus permineter security, an electronic alarm system, steel cage storage set in concrete or masonry enclosures.

Importers, with safety as the ultimate goal, should take all reasonable steps to ensure products are not mishandled or exposed to adverse storage conditions.