21 CFR § 1317.55 - Reverse distributor and distributor acquisition of controlled substances from collectors or law enforcement.
---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t21/s1317.55"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "21 CFR § 1317.55 - Reverse distributor and distributor acquisition of controlled substances from collectors or law enforcement."
title_number: 21
title_name: "Food and Drugs"
section_number: "1317.55"
section_name: "Reverse distributor and distributor acquisition of controlled substances from collectors or law enforcement."
chapter_name: "DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE"
part_number: "1317"
part_name: "DISPOSAL"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "21 U.S.C. 821, 822, 823, 827, 828, 871(b), and 958."
regulatory_source: "79 FR 53565, Sept. 9, 2014, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "1317"
---
# 1317.55 Reverse distributor and distributor acquisition of controlled substances from collectors or law enforcement.
(a) A reverse distributor is authorized to acquire controlled substances from law enforcement that collected the substances from ultimate users. A reverse distributor is authorized to acquire controlled substances collected through a collection receptacle in accordance with §§ 1317.75 and 1317.80.
(b) A distributor is authorized to acquire controlled substances collected through a collection receptacle in accordance with §§ 1317.75 and 1317.80.
(c) A reverse distributor or a distributor that acquires controlled substances in accordance with paragraph (a) or (b) of this section shall:
(1) Acquire the controlled substances in the manner authorized for reverse distributors in § 1317.15(b)(1) and (2);
(2) Dispose of the controlled substances in the manner authorized for reverse distributors § 1317.15(c) and (d); and
(3) Securely store the controlled substances in a manner consistent with the security requirements for Schedule II controlled substances until timely destruction can occur.