Explanatory note
This note is not part of the order, but is intended to indicate its general effect.
This order amends Part 4 of Schedule 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 (the Act) by adding ketamine (2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)-cyclohexanone) to clause 1 of that Part. The effect of this is to classify ketamine as a Class C controlled drug.
This change follows a recommendation to the Minister of Health by the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs, which is established under section 5AA of the Act.
This order comes into force on a date to be set by a commencement order made under section 4A(1) of the Act. That section provides that the commencement order may be made only after the House of Representatives has approved this classification order. Approval cannot be given until at least 28 days after the date on which this order is notified in the Gazette.
An earlier order (SR 2008/34) classifying ketamine as a Class C controlled drug lapsed, in accordance with section 4A(4) of the Act, because no motion approving that order was agreed to within 1 year of the date that the earlier order was made.