INCB holds second User Group meeting for the International Import Export Authorization System (I2ES)
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Vienna, 17 March - International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) President, Mr. Werner Sipp, held today a user group meeting on the International Electronic Import and Export Authorization System (I2ES) for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, during the 60 th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). This is the second such meeting to take place at the margins of the CND and over 40 participants from some 30 countries joined for an open discussion on their experiences in using the I2ES system. During the meeting, Ms. Monica Joos of Swissmedic also gave a presentation sharing her expertise and national experience of implementing I2ES in Switzerland. |
Mr. Sipp emphasised that the effectiveness of the international drug control system relies on Member States' collective efforts in implementing and monitoring the implementation of the conventions. He stated that, although the drafters of the conventions could not have foreseen the technological advances we are experiencing today, if the conventions are implemented comprehensively and in a balanced manner they will stand the test of time.
I2ES is one of four tailored online communication systems implemented by INCB to support the monitoring of international trade in scheduled substances, each of which is expanded upon in the INCB Annual Report for 2016 in its section on 'New tools for old purposes: using modern technology to monitor international trade in scheduled substances'. These systems are provided to users free of charge, but rely entirely on extra budgetary resources for their development and maintenance. In this sense, the INCB President called for continued support by Governments to sustain these tools.