VIENNA, 18 August 2026 - The humanitarian emergency triggered by the deadly earthquake of magnitude 7.7 that struck Flores Island, Indonesia, on Saturday 15 August, requires urgent action to ensure shipments of medications, including medicines containing internationally controlled narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
INCB reminds all Governments that in acute emergencies, such as the one experienced in Indonesia, it is possible to utilize simplified control procedures for the export, transportation, and provision of medicinal products containing controlled substances. Competent national authorities may permit the export of medicines containing narcotic drugs and/or psychotropic substances to the areas in the absence of the corresponding import authorizations and/or estimates. Urgent deliveries do not need to be included in the estimates of the receiving country.
Competent national authorities may find further information on the subject in the Guidelines for the International Provision of Controlled Medicines for Emergency Medical Care, and Lessons from countries and humanitarian aid organizations in facilitating the Timely Supply of Controlled Substances during Emergency Situations.
