Brazil - June 2016: On 24 May 2016, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) approved the Resolution RDC N. 79/2016, introducing for the first time a "generic" system for the scheduling of controlled substances in Brazil, which will be used alongside the individual scheduling approach. The change in legislation was motivated by the challenge posed by new psychoactive substances, and the need to establish innovative scheduling processes to address their quick emergence on the market. The first chemical group scheduled was that of synthetic cannabinoids. The legislative process drew upon technical and scientific information from several sources, including the UNODC document "Recommended methods for the identification and analysis of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists in Seized Materials". The legislation was drafted by a Working Group comprised of experts from ANVISA, the Brazilian Federal Police, and the National Secretary of Public Security, including representatives from forensic laboratories.

For more information please see:
http://www.lex.com.br/legis_27142279_RESOLUCAO_RDC_N_79_DE_23_DE_MAIO_DE_2016.aspx (in Portuguese)