A temporary class drug order immediately classifies a substance that may have a risk of harm to the public, as a temporary class drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 for a period of one year.
During this period, the substance is treated as if it were a Class C1 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. This means the penalties for import, manufacture, supply, possession and use of Class C1 controlled drugs apply with regard to temporary class drugs.
During the time a temporary class drug order is in force, the Minister of Health must seek advice from the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs (EACD) about the substance and its appropriate classification.
A temporary class drug order expires one year after the order came into force, unless, before this date:
- the substance is classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975; or
- the Minister of Health revokes the order; or
- the Minister of Health renews the order for a further year (this can only be done once).
November 2025
The Minister of Health has issued a temporary class drug order under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. The order specifies etomidate as a Class C1 controlled drug for a one-year period. This came into effect on 9 December 2025 and will expire on 8 December 2026, unless it is renewed for a further year.
A temporary class drug order request for etomidate was received by the Ministry of Health on 6 November 2025 from the National Drug Intelligence Bureau.
Etomidate is classified as a prescription medicine under the Medicines Regulations 1984. It has recently emerged as a substance of concern due to its misuse in illicit vaping products.
Etomidate: Temporary Class Drug Order
Temporary Class Drug Order
Pursuant to section 4C of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, I, the Honourable Simeon Brown, Minister of Health, specify the substance etomidate as a temporary class drug for the purposes of sections 4C and 4D of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 (“Act”).
I am satisfied that the substance specified:
- poses, or may pose, a risk of harm to individuals or to society; and
- has not been classified under this Act.
Date of Order
This Temporary Class Drug Order will take effect from 9 December 2025 and will expire on 8 December 2026, unless otherwise revoked or renewed as specified in section 4F of the Act.
Terms and Conditions
This Temporary Class Drug Order is subject to terms and conditions as specified under sections 4D and 4E of the Act. Etomidate will be treated for all purposes as if it were a controlled drug that is specified or described in Part 1 of Schedule 3 of the Act (Class C1).
Dated at Wellington this 1st day of December 2025.
Hon SIMEON BROWN, Minister of Health.
