The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) is the independent and quasi-judicial monitoring body for the implementation of the United Nations international drug control conventions. It was established in 1968 in accordance with the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961.
It had predecessors under the former drug control treaties as far back as the time of the League of Nations.

The Conventions recognize there are psychoactive substances with legitimate scientific and medicinal uses that must be protected, but that the abuse of such substances gives rise to public health, social and economic problems. About 250 substances are controlled under the conventions.

States that become parties to the conventions are obliged to adopt appropriate legis­lation, introduce the necessary administrative and enforcement measures and cooperate with international drug control agencies and with other states parties to the conventions.

The INCB holds three sessions every year . It publishes an annual report and reports on narcotic drugs , psychotropic substances and precursors.

Functions of the INCB

INCB's core activities are: analyzing treaty-mandated reports and other information provided by governments, evaluating and supporting national drug control efforts, dialogue with governments.

In the discharge of its responsibilities, INCB:

• Administers a system of estimates for narcotic drugs and a voluntary assessment system for psychotropic substances and monitors licit activities involving drugs through a statistical returns system, with a view to assisting Governments in achieving, inter alia, a balance between supply and demand;
• Monitors and promotes measures taken by Governments to prevent the diversion of substances frequently used in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and assesses such substances to determine whether there is a need for changes in the scope of control of Tables I and II of the 1988 Convention;
• Analyses information provided by Governments, United Nations bodies, specialized agencies or other competent international organizations, with a view to ensuring that the provisions of the international drug control treaties are adequately carried out by Governments, and recommends remedial measures;
• Maintains a permanent dialogue with Governments to assist them in complying with their obligations under the international drug control treaties and, to that end, recommends, where appropriate, technical or financial assistance to be provided.
• Dialogue with Governments - In order to further the aims of the treaties, the Board maintains ongoing discussions with Governments. Such dialogues are pursued through regular consultations and through missions arranged in agreement with the Governments concerned.
• Training programmes - In order to enhance the functioning of national drug control administrations, the INCB secretariat conducts training programmes for drug control administrators, particularly from developing counties. These officials receive training in
• the implementation of treaty obligations, especially those that relate to cooperation between INCB and parties to the treaties.