Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961
The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs establishes an international framework for controlling narcotic drugs for medical and scientific purposes.
The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961 is an international treaty that aims to protect public health by limiting the production, manufacture, trade, import, export and use of narcotic drugs to medical and scientific purposes.
It forms the foundation of the international drug control system and supports cooperation between countries to prevent the diversion and misuse of controlled substances.
Australia's obligations
As a signatory to the Convention, Australia regulates activities involving narcotic drugs through legislation, licensing and permit schemes.
The Office of Drug Control (ODC) helps Australia meet these obligations by regulating the cultivation, production, manufacture, import and export of controlled substances.
Related conventions
The Convention is part of a broader international drug control framework that includes:
- Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971
- United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988
Together, these conventions help ensure controlled substances are available for legitimate medical and scientific purposes while preventing diversion to illicit markets.
Read the Convention
Read the full text of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961 on the United Nations website.
www.unodc.org