Published on 14 July 2021

Import of cannabis for pilot trials under Article 8a NarcA

The import of narcotics containing an effective concentration of cannabinoids (‘cannabis’), that are used in the pilot trials in accordance with Art. 8a of the Narcotics Act (NarcA), requires an exceptional licence from the FOPH.

In order to import cannabis that is used in the pilot trials in accordance with Art. 8a of the Narcotics Act (NarcA), an exceptional licence is required from the FOPH, in accordance with Art. 8 para. 5 NarcA.

In principle, cannabis must be grown in Switzerland. Importing cannabis and related products in this context is only possible in justified exceptional circumstances, in accordance with Art. 7 para. 2 NarcPT.

• Import requirements for cannabis

  Narcotics containing an effective concentration of cannabinoids that are used in the pilot trials must in principle be cultivated and processed in Switzerland (see Art. 7 para. 1 NarcPT). The import of cannabis and related products for the pilot trials is only possible in exceptional circumstances if sufficient quantities cannot be produced in Switzerland in time (see Art. 7 para. 2 NarcPT).

  The rules on organic farming and on good agricultural practice for the cultivation of medicinal plants also apply to products imported for the pilot trials. In addition, the product quality requirements must be complied with as well (Art. 9 NarcPT).

• Self-regulation

  To ensure compliance with the import requirements for cannabis and related products, a duty of self-regulation applies (Art. 30 NarcPT).

  The FOPH and the competent cantonal executing authorities will carry out spot checks to ensure compliance with licensing requirements and legal regulations.

• Coordination of applications

  Provided the pilot trial in question has been authorized, exceptional licences for the import of cannabis and related products for the use in the pilot trials can be granted. The applications must therefore be coordinated between the public or private organisations. The FOPH coordinates the associated authorisation procedure.

  Please note: for the import of cannabis or cannabis products, an import licence from Swissmedic is required in addition to the exceptional licence from the FOPH, in accordance with Art. 5 NarcPT. Application for said import licence can only be submitted to Swissmedic after the FOPH issued the exceptional licence.

• Submission of application

  Applications must be signed by the person responsible for conducting the pilot trial, or accompanied by a legally valid authorisation, and submitted to the FOPH. Applications should be sent by post to the following address: 

  Confidential

  Federal Office of Public Health
  Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases Division
  Policy Bases and Implementation Section
  Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
  P. O. Box
  3003 Berne

  Switzerland

  The FOPH can request additional information and documents at any time.

  When submitting your application please take processing time into account.

• Application requirements

  Applications for an exceptional licence for the import of cannabis used in the pilot trials must contain at least the following information and supporting documents:

  • Description of the pilot trial and exact import address
  • First name and last name of the person responsible for the import and their deputy
  • Certificate of need for the import and proof that sufficient quantities cannot be produced in Switzerland in time. The applicant must prove to the FOPH that it is not possible to produce sufficient quantities in Switzerland in a timely manner
  • A contract of mandate for import by third parties, if applicable
  • Supplier, including exact address
  • Information on the type of cannabis or cannabis products imported
  • Import quantities
  • Proof of compliance with the cultivation requirements for pilot trials set out under Art. 8 NarcPT
  • Proof of compliance with the quality requirements set out under Art. 9 NarcPT
  • Desired duration of exceptional licence (in accordance with the term of the supply contract with the study centres)

  Description of storage, protection and logging of cannabis or cannabis products, and archiving of records (management system), including evidence of a system to guarantee adequate protection against theft

Further information

• Legislation

  • Art. 8 Abs. 5 Bundesgesetz vom 3. Oktober 1951 über die Betäubungsmittel und die psychotropen Stoffe
  • Art. 28 Abs. 2c und Art. 29 Verordnung vom 25. Mai 2011 über Betäubungsmittelsucht und andere suchtbedingte Störungen
  • Art. 8 Verordnung vom 25. Mai 2011 über die Betäubungsmittelkontrolle

Further information