Narcotics
The purpose of the Betäubungsmittelgesetz BtMG (drug law)
is the restriction of trade in, the importation and the consumption of
narcotics. Nowadays many - especially young - people are in danger to
get into contact with drugs. The consumption of drugs has taken alarming
dimensions.
Drug trafficking is part of the special duties performed by German Customs. Then, most important is the struggle against import smuggling of narcotics as well as the control of the flow of goods which are used as basic materials for the production of narcotics. In this context, the control of the cash flow plays an important role to be able to siphon off profits illegally made in drug traffic. On the section of customs investigation you may find statistics about findings and confiscations of firearms and ammunition made by Customs.
The term ‘narcotics’
The substances called drugs or narcotics are listed in annexes I - II Drug Law. Among them are all "classical" narcotics such as opium,
heroin, cocaine, synthetic drugs (ecstasy, LSD), hashish (cannabis) and
marijuana. Additionally, a number of other substances and preparations are
covered by the Drug Law. For an easier classification of substances under the
Drug Law, an alphabetic list has been drawn up.
This list also contains medicines such as methadone, morphine or codeine.
The possession of, the trade in and the importation of narcotics are punishable. Infringements upon the Drug Law will be punished strictly. This also applies to the importation of narcotics by mail.
Introduction into or from other Member States
The introduction of narcotics into or from other Member States of the
European Community is also strictly prohibited. In particular, this applies to
the introduction of such narcotics the possession of which in small quantities
for private use would not be punishable in other Member States.
Special regulations for prescribed narcotics
Within the contracting parties of the Schengen Agreement (at the moment all
EU Member States except the United Kingdom and Ireland), narcotics of that kind
may be carried if an appropriate official certificate has been issued. Such
certificate must be issued in Germany by the prescribing physician and certified
by the supreme executive council. For each and any prescribed narcotic a single
certificate is required. The physician may then prescribe the quantity of
narcotics necessary for up to 30 days. Please, find an example of this
certificate (german)
on the site of the Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (Federal
Institute for medicines and medical products).
For questions about the importation of narcotics, please contact:
- the Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices),
- the locally competent medicine control authorities,
- the central Customs Information Centre
- or the locally competent customs offices
