The Polish Ministry of Health plans to expand the list of controlled psychotropic substances, narcotics, and new psychoactive substances, responding to evolving market risks.
Government Plans Update to Substance List
The Polish government is planning to update its list of psychotropic and narcotic substances. The Ministry of Health intends to broaden the catalog of psychotropic substances and narcotics, as detailed in a draft regulation undergoing public consultation.
The changes will also encompass a list of new psychoactive substances.
Risks Driving the Changes
The Ministry of Health states that the proposed changes are a response to the dynamic development of the new psychoactive substance market, which poses risks of poisoning, fatalities, and addiction.
International and National Alignment
The proposed regulations consider both international and European Union obligations, as well as recommendations from national experts. The changes stem from provisions of the UN Convention on the Control of Narcotic Drugs, including decisions made during the 68th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in 2025.
EU Directive (EU) 2025/2062, which expands the definition of narcotics to include new psychoactive substances, is also significant. The project also relies on recommendations from the national Team for Risk Assessment of Threats to Health or Life, which analyzes new substances and identifies those requiring control.
Expanded Substance Lists
The list of controlled substances will be expanded, with additional compounds added to the psychotropic substances list. Some substances will be moved from the new psychoactive substances list to a more restrictive category, in accordance with EU regulations.
New, particularly potent synthetic opioids will be added to the list of narcotics with the highest level of control.
Refining Definitions and Nomenclature
The amendment also foresees expanding the list of new psychoactive substances with additional compounds and clarifying the definitions of chemical groups to more effectively control new drug variants. Chemical nomenclature for some substances will also be standardized.
Effective Date and Legal Basis
A detailed list of new substances is specified in the draft regulation. The amendment is expected to take effect 14 days after its official announcement.
The legislative stage is currently a draft regulation undergoing public consultation.
