Apply for testing of substances under narcotics law

    Would you like to have a substance tested under narcotics and basic substance legislation? Then you can submit a corresponding application to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).

    Description

    If you are unsure whether a substance falls under the Narcotics Act or the Basic Substances Monitoring Act, you can apply to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) for an examination of the substance.

    An examination by the BfArM as to whether a substance falls under the Narcotics Act or the Basic Substances Monitoring Act is subject to a fee. Before you apply for this, you should therefore check whether the substance in question is already included in the list of narcotics on the BfArM website.

    Online service

    Apply online for testing of substances under narcotics law

    ID: B100019_120702940

    Description

    Would you like to have a substance tested under narcotics and basic substance legislation? Then you can submit a corresponding application to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).

    Use this service online

    Payment methods

    • Transfer

    Trust level

    You need an Elster certificate with password to use this online service (trust level: substantial).

    further information on the level of trust for online services

    Identification

    • electronic identification using national eID means - identity card
    • electronic identification using national eID means – software certificate

    Language

    Deutsch

    Sprache: de

    Englisch

    Sprache: en

    Sprachbezeichnung nativ:

    English

    Contact person

    Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (BfArM) - Bundesopiumstelle, Fachgebiet 82

    Address

    address

    Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 3

    53175 Bonn

    Save contact

    Elevator available

    Wheelchair access

    barrier-free

    Contact

    Internet

    Payment methods

    The following payment method is possible: Transfer

    Version

    Technisch geändert on 09.07.2025

    Language version

    Deutsch

    Sprache: de

    Englisch

    Sprache: en

    Sprachbezeichnung nativ:

    English

    Required documents

    • Name of the substance
    • Structural formula of the substance (optional)
    • optional: additional information on the substance, e.g. Chemical Abstracts Service number (CAS number)

    Prerequisites

    • You are based in Germany.
    • Appeal against the cost assessment notice
      • Detailed information on how to lodge an objection can be found in the decision.
    • Appeal against the cost assessment notice to the administrative court

    Procedure

    You can apply to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) for the classification of substances under narcotics and basic substance legislation online or by post or e-mail.

    Apply for classification online:

    • Go to the website of the federal portal and call up the online application. This will guide you step by step through the necessary information
    • If you are applying as an organization, you will need an ELSTER company account and an ELSTER certificate. If you are submitting the application as a private individual, you will need an electronic ID document (e.g. the online function of your ID card) and a BundID account.
    • If required, upload the documents as a file and send the application. The file must not be larger than 10 megabytes. The following formats are accepted:
      • PDF
      • PNG
      • JPEG
      • DOC
      • XLS
      • ZIP,
      • CDX
      • CDXML
      • CHM
    • The BfArM will check your information.
    • The BfArM will notify you if you need to submit additional information or documents.
    • You will receive the classification under narcotics law and a notification of costs by post. Pay the fees.

    Apply for classification by post or e-mail:

    • Write an informal letter with details of
      • Your person or company,
      • your narcotics number - (if available) and
      • as detailed information as possible about the substance.
    • Send the letter by post or e-mail to the BfArM.
    • The BfArM will check your details.
    • The BfArM will notify you if you need to submit additional information or documents.
    • You will receive the classification under narcotics law and a notification of costs by post. Pay the fees.

    Deadlines

    There is no deadline.

    Processing time

    14 days

    Costs

    Prüfung je Stoff, der bereits in der Datenbank hinterlegt ist: 50,00 EUR: Fee 50,00 EUR (Information on cost composition can be found here)

    Prüfung je Stoff, der neu recherchiert wurde: 70,00 EUR: Fee 70,00 EUR (Information on cost composition can be found here)

    Notes (specifics)

    There are no indications or special features.

    Further Information

    Area of validity

    Germany-wide

    Official approval

    Officially approved by Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) on 27.03.2025

    Version

    Technisch geändert on 08.09.2025

    Keywords

    BfArM

    Language version

    Deutsch

    Sprache: de

    Englisch

    Sprache: en

    Sprachbezeichnung nativ:

    English