Not all chemicals that might theoretically be found in old photochemistry recipes are freely available for purchase. Some substances are legally classified as “precursors”—substances that can be used in the production of narcotic and psychotropic drugs—and their distribution is regulated by specific laws. Below is a summary of Ukrainian legislation in this area, without any instructions: the purpose of this section is to warn, not to teach.
Legal Framework
In Ukraine, the circulation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogs, and precursors is regulated by the Law “On the Circulation of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, Their Analogs, and Precursors” (Bulletin of the Supreme Council of Ukraine, 1995, No. 10, Art. 60, as amended by the law of July 8, 1999). Pursuant to this law, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, by Resolution No. 770 of May 6, 2000, approved a list of such substances, grouped into four tables according to their degree of danger and control regime.
Precursors are substances and their salts that are used in the production or manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, but are not themselves narcotic drugs. The distribution of Schedule IV precursors listed in Schedule No. 1 requires a license and is strictly controlled; the distribution of substances listed in Schedule No. 2 is subject to less stringent controls but also requires a license for the relevant type of activity.
Precursors found in household chemicals and photography supplies
Table 4, List No. 1 (strict control): N-acetylanthranilic acid, ergometrine, ephedrine, isosafrole, lysergic acid, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-2-propanone, piperonal, pseudoephedrine, safrole, phenylacetone, phenylpropanolamine (norephedrine), acetic anhydride, phenylacetic acid.
Table 4, List No. 2 (regulations are less strict, but these substances are available at regular household and chemical supply stores): anthranilic acid, acetone, diethyl ether, potassium permanganate, methyl ethyl ketone, piperidine, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, toluene.
This list also includes the salts of the substances listed (except for sulfuric and hydrochloric acids). Mixtures containing more than 50% diethyl ether, acetone, or toluene, and more than 80% methyl ethyl ketone, are subject to the same control measures as the precursors themselves; the same applies to mixtures containing more than 45% sulfuric acid or more than 15% hydrochloric acid. If a mixture contains several such substances at once, the total concentration is subject to control if it reaches the threshold for at least one of the components; the concentration is determined by the mass fraction of the substance in the mixture.
Poisonous and Potent Substances (Article 321 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine)
Apart from precursors, Article 321 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine states: “Illegal production, manufacture, acquisition, transportation, shipment, storage for the purpose of sale, or sale of poisonous or potent substances or poisonous or potent medications.” The penalty under this article is a substantial fine or imprisonment for a term of up to three, five, or, in certain cases, up to ten years, depending on the circumstances.
Poisonous substances are defined as solid, powdered, or liquid substances whose use, even in doses slightly exceeding the recommended amount, can lead to death (classic examples include arsenic and strychnine). Potent substances are medications and other agents whose use off-label or in incorrect dosages can cause serious harm to health (for example, hormonal medications).
Substances on the official list of toxic substances that could theoretically be encountered in the context of old-school photochemistry or home chemistry include: metallic mercury (except when it is contained in measuring or lighting equipment as specified in official documentation), methyl alcohol, hydrocyanic acid, and metal cyanides; arsenic compounds; white (yellow) phosphorus; zinc phosphide; tetraethyl lead and its mixtures; thallium salts; nickel tetracarbonyl. The list is considerably broader and also includes a number of alkaloids and plant-derived substances (aconitine, brucine, strychnine nitrate, ricin, and others) that are unrelated to photochemistry.
Other Restrictions
A separate permit (license) is also required for the trade in silver, platinum-group precious metals, explosives, radioactive materials, and food-grade ethyl alcohol.
It’s worth knowing the background of this issue: Resolution No. 440 of June 20, 1995, effectively banned many chemical reagents essential for photography at the time, but it was repealed on September 3, 2014 — since then, no similar restrictions have been imposed on consumer-grade photographic chemicals.
Important Note
This section is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting a lawyer. Any work involving corrosive, toxic, or controlled substances must be conducted in strict compliance with the applicable laws of the country where you are located—these laws may differ from those in Ukraine.