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:

1. poses, or may pose, a risk of harm to individuals or to society; and
2. 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.