DEA-Compliant Safes | What They Are And Why Do You Need One
Posted on: 16 September 2022
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The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is a federal agency in charge of controlled substances in the United States. To protect controlled substances from being stolen or falling into the wrong hands, the DEA requires that certain businesses have safes that meet specific guidelines. These safes are commonly referred to as "DEA-compliant safes."
If your business falls under the DEA's jurisdiction and you do not have a DEA-compliant safe, you could be subject to fines, lose your operating license, or even face jail time. Here's what you need to know about what DEA-compliant safes are, why you need one, and how to choose the right safe for your business.
What Is a DEA-Compliant Safe?
A DEA-compliant safe is a particular type of safe that meets the specifications outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The CFR is a set of rules, regulations, and best practices for federal agencies, including the DEA.
Who Needs a DEA-Compliant Safe?
Any business or organization that stores narcotics on premises is required to lock them in a DEA-compliant safe, including hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics. Even universities that study small amounts of narcotics must have DEA-compliant safes for proper storage.
Why Do You Need a DEA-Compliant Safe?
If your business handles controlled substances, you are required by law to store those substances in a safe that meets the DEA's specifications. Failing to do so could result in serious consequences, including fines, loss of license, and even jail time.
What Should a DEA-Compliant Safe Include?
The specific regulations regarding safes can be found in CFR Title 21, a section governing food and drugs. Depending on the type of narcotics stored, a DEA-compliant safe must
- Have steel reinforcements
- Have at least two differently keyed locks
- Have inner and outer doors with different locks
- Be bolted to the wall or secured to the floor in cement
- Not visible from outside your premises
- Be in a lockable room
In addition, keys cannot be stored together or near the safe. The number of staff members with access to keys and/or combination codes should be limited. Combination codes and key storage locations should be changed whenever a staff member with knowledge of them is terminated.
DEA-compliant safes are an important part of any business that handles controlled substances. You could be subject to serious consequences if you do not have a DEA-compliant safe on the premises. Therefore, when choosing a DEA-compliant safe for your business, make sure to choose one that meets the requirements of the CFR.