The Board is mandated by the international drug control conventions to monitor and promote the consistent implementation of the obligations undertaken by States parties under the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, as amended by the 1972 Protocol, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances and the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
In carrying out this mandate, the Board seeks to ensure the balanced achievement of the objectives of the conventions, including the availability of internationally controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes, the prevention of their diversion and abuse, and effective international cooperation to address illicit drug trafficking and related criminal activities.
As part of its mandate under the international drug control conventions, the Board conducts continuous and systematic monitoring of the implementation of treaty obligations by States parties. This regular monitoring is based primarily on information submitted by Governments, including official communications, annual statistical reports, estimates and assessments, responses to the annual questionnaires, and other communications, as well as information from United Nations entities and other relevant international and regional organizations. Through this process, the Board assesses global, regional and national trends, identifies emerging issues and evaluates the adequacy of national control measures to ensure compliance with the treaties and the availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes while preventing their diversion and misuse.
The Board’s regular monitoring functions also serve as an early-warning and preventive mechanism, enabling it to identify potential challenges in implementation at an early stage and to engage with Governments in a timely and constructive manner. Where appropriate, the Board may seek clarifications, request additional information or provide guidance to support compliance with the conventions. This ongoing monitoring underpins the Board’s annual reporting to Governments and the international community and contributes to informed, evidence-based dialogue aimed at strengthening the effective and balanced implementation of the international drug control system.
When the Board has objective reasons to believe that the aims of the international drug control treaties are being seriously endangered by a failure of a State party to comply with its legal obligations, or when a serious situation arises that requires cooperative action at the international level, the Board may decide to engage in a formal dialogue with the State concerned with a view to fostering compliance.
This action is provided for under articles 14 and 14 bis of the 1961 Convention as amended, article 19 of the 1971 Convention and article 22 of the 1988 Convention. These provisions enable the Board to initiate consultations with Governments, request information and, where appropriate, recommend remedial measures.
Since its establishment, INCB has invoked these compliance-related provisions with respect to a number of States in order to examine potential issues of non-compliance through a structured and cooperative process. This approach is based on dialogue and technical engagement and is intended to support States in fulfilling their treaty obligations.
In accordance with the relevant treaty provisions, the identity of the State concerned is not publicly disclosed unless the Board decides, following consultations with the Government in question, to bring the situation to the attention of the parties, the Economic and Social Council or the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, or unless the Government concerned consents to the public disclosure of the invocation of these provisions, as was the case with Afghanistan.
The Board is assisted in the discharge of its treaty compliance mandate by the INCB Secretariat, in particular the Convention Evaluation section, which plays a central role in supporting the Board’s monitoring, assessment and engagement activities.
The Secretariat’s work includes:
Monitoring and analyzing information submitted by Governments, including annual reports, questionnaire responses and official communications, as well as information from other UN entities and relevant international organizations;
Identifying and assessing potential compliance issues, including legislative, administrative and institutional gaps;
Preparing analytical assessments, country briefs and draft communications for the Board’s consideration;
Facilitating consultations and follow-up dialogue with Governments;
Providing technical guidance on treaty interpretation, accession, legislative alignment and reporting obligations;
Coordinating with UNODC, WHO and other partners to promote coherent international support; and
Supporting country missions and high-level engagements with national authorities and permanent missions.
Through these activities, the Secretariat ensures that the Board’s engagement is evidence-based, consistent, proportionate and constructive, while respecting the confidential nature of compliance-related procedures.
The INCB Secretariat also supports efforts to promote universal adherence to the international drug control conventions. This includes providing guidance to States that have not yet acceded to one or more of the conventions, as well as to newly acceding States.
Support may include assistance related to accession procedures, national control systems, legislative and regulatory frameworks, designation of competent authorities and reporting requirements.
The Board and its Secretariat are committed to engaging constructively with Governments, taking into account national circumstances and capacities, while upholding the integrity of the international drug control system. Through sustained dialogue and technical cooperation, INCB seeks to promote full, effective and balanced implementation of the conventions in the interest of public health, safety and international cooperation.
