In 2007, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) passed a law stating the distribution of Iodine over 2.2 % concentrations, would require regulatory control. This came about after it was found that drug traffickers were using iodine in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine (Meth). The regulation controls iodine crystals and strong iodine tinctures/solutions (e.g., 7 percent iodine) or any other products where iodine could be extracted.
Hawthorne Products has gone through the extra governmental steps and carries a separate DEA chemical registration that allows the handling and sale of iodine in excess of 2.2 percent concentration. Hawthorne is required to maintain records of all regulated transactions involving iodine, regardless of size. This is why when you order a product containing regulated iodine, you are asked for a copy of your driver license. This is no different than when you are carded at the store for Sudafed. It is a controlled substance.
Don’t be deceived. If you are not required to provide a photo id then you are not purchasing iodine in a concentration over 2.2%. Products stating “real iodine” or “disinfectant” etc. are of concentrations of 2.2 or less percent, which is likely well under what you need to be effective. If you are not being asked for your driver’s license, you are not purchasing the strength of iodine you think you’re getting.