Guidance

National Drugs Control System: user guide

A guide to how to use the National Drugs Control System (NDS) for licence applications for the import and export of controlled drugs and precursor chemicals.

Documents

Accessing the new National Drugs Control System website guide

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

The National Drugs Control System (NDS) allows you to make online applications for licences for the import and export of controlled drugs and precursor chemicals.

Licence holders can add preparations and overseas trading partners to their accounts.

This guide gives information on how to:

  • register for an NDS account
  • set up trading partners and preparations
  • apply for import and export licences for controlled drugs and precursor chemicals
  • endorse licences online
Published 16 August 2019
Last updated 1418 JulyNovember 2022 + show all updates
  1. Contact telephone number updated.

  2. Added 'National Drugs Control System: guide for users' and 'National drugs control system 7 web update' has been retitled to 'Accessing the new National Drugs Control System website guide'.

  3. Removed outdated versions of the guidance.

  4. Added PDF and accessible versions of 'National drugs control system update, July 2022'.

  5. Guidance updated.

  6. First published.