Narcotics control

The central framework for narcotics legislation in Finland is based on the Narcotics Act (373/2008). In the Narcotics Act two types of substances are defined that are listed in corresponding Government degrees. ‘Narcotics’ are listed in the Government decree on substances, preparations and plants considered as narcotics (543/2008) and ‘psychoactive substances banned from the consumer market’ are listed in the Government degree on psychoactive substances banned from the consumer market (1130/2014).

• Narcotics control (Finnish Medicines Agency Fimea)
• Narcotics Act 373/2008 (Finlex, in Finnish)

Narcotics

Government decree on substances, preparations and plants considered as narcotics (543/2008) lists the substances and preparations defined as narcotics. Decree lists substances controlled by UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961 and Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971. In addition, the Decree lists substances banned at the EU and national level.

Production, manufacture, import to the territory of Finland, export from the territory of Finland, transport, transit through the territory of Finland, distribution, trade, handling, possession and use of substances defined as narcotic drugs is prohibited. Exceptions are possible for medical, scientific, investigative and control purposes. Authorisations to import, export, manufacture and handle narcotic drugs are granted by Finnish Medicines Agency Fimea for medicinal, scientific and research purposes.

Narcotics offences are provided for in chapter 50 of the Penal Code (39/1889).

• Government decree on substances, preparations and plants considered as narcotics 2008/543 (Finlex, in Finnish)

Psychoactive substances banned from the consumer market

Psychoactive substances banned from the consumer market are listed to the Government decree on psychoactive substances banned from the consumer market (1130/2014).

Manufacturing, import, storing and placing on the market by selling or otherwise of the psychoactive substances banned from the consumer market is prohibited. University, scientific institution and entrepeneur may import and store these substances for justified research or industrial purposes. Notification is to be given to Finnish Medicines Agency Fimea before the actual import.

The provisions for offences concerning substances banned from the consumer market are laid down in Chapter 44 on Offences endangering health and safety of the Penal Code.

• Government decree on psychoactive substances banned from the consumer market 1130/2014 (Finlex, in Finnish)