The purchase and use of drugs or drug precursors falling into the category of “Controlled substances” as defined by the Swiss Federal Narcotics Law (OCStup; OTStup-DFI), are subject to authorization by SWISSMEDIC.
If your research unit needs to order chemicals listed in the tables of narcotics, psychotropic substances and precursors (OTStup-DFI, see tables Annexes 1 to 7), you must apply for an authorization using the attached form (form is only available in French, German or Italian). The person indicated as responsible in the authorization application must provide a CV, copies of diplomas and an extract from the criminal record issued less than 6 months prior to the authorization application.
In addition, the authorization request should contain the following information:
- Contact details/address of the responsible person.
- List of chemical products for which you need an authorization.
For each of the listed chemical, you must give:
- The name of the product, the CAS number, the supplier’s name, the quantity of the container(s) which will be ordered.
- A brief description of the research activities which will be carried out (typical protocol to be used; average quantities which are used). If the procedure is reported you can include the corresponding reference and pdf of the publication.
- The storage conditions.
Authorization is delivered for 5 years and is valid only for the chemicals specified in the application. Renewal of the authorization may be requested on presentation of a detailed report on the quantities ordered/stored and the nature of the reactions carried out, for each of the chemicals included in the authorization.
Where to send your authorization requests – SWISSMEDIC
Depending on the products for which you are applying, you must submit your application either to the cantonal or to the federal authorities.
For all precursors (Appendix 7, table f):
- For research units based on the Lausanne campus, you must send your authorization applications to the following address:
Service de la santé publique, à l’attention du Pharmacien cantonal
Office du Médecin cantonal
Domaine Autorisations, Contrôle et Inspections
Avenue des Casernes 2
1014 Lausanne
- For research units based on the Sion campus, please send your requests for authorization to the following address:
Département de la santé, des affaires sociales, et de la culture
Service de la santé publique
Avenue de la Gare 23
1950 Sion
For other substances (Annexes 1 to 6), please send your applications directly to Berne:
Swissmedic, Institut des produits thérapeutiques
Division stupéfiants
Hallerstrasse 7
3012 Berne