United States
Hong KongDEA Form 222
DEA Form 222, or its electronic equivalent through the Controlled Substance Ordering System, is used to order Schedule I and II controlled substances under 21 CFR Part 1305.
A narrow topic that appears reliably, because the form numbers are exact and easy to test.
What it is for
Ordering Schedule I and II controlled substances. Part 1305 of 21 CFR governs order forms.
Schedules III to V are not ordered on Form 222. That distinction is one of the few places where the paperwork visibly differs by schedule, which is why it is examined.
These two are the classic pairing and swapping them is the intended error, because both are DEA forms a technician hears about in the same conversation. Two numbers, two entirely different purposes.
The electronic equivalent
Ordering may be done electronically through the Controlled Substance Ordering System rather than on paper. The requirement is the controlled ordering process, not the physical sheet.
Why the control exists
Schedule I and II substances have the highest abuse potential among those with any accepted medical use, so their movement between registrants is tracked at the point of transfer.
The form is a chain-of-custody record rather than a purchase order.
What a technician handles
- Receiving and verifying the order against what arrived
- Recording receipt accurately
- Reporting discrepancies rather than resolving them
- Storage in accordance with the security requirements
And the records that follow
Order records join the wider recordkeeping obligation: records and inventories kept for at least two years under 21 CFR 1304.04.
What to hold
Form 222 for Schedule I and II ordering, Part 1305, an electronic alternative exists, and Form 106 is something else entirely.
Common questions
What is DEA Form 222 used for?
Ordering Schedule I and II controlled substances, under 21 CFR Part 1305.
Is there an electronic version?
Yes, through the Controlled Substance Ordering System.
Do Schedules III to V need it?
No. That distinction is frequently examined.
What is Form 106?
The form for reporting theft or significant loss. Different form, different purpose.
How long are order records kept?
With other controlled substance records, at least two years under 21 CFR 1304.04.