Overview
Under EU law (Article 15 of the EUDA Regulation), the EUDA is required to bring together experts from across Europe to share forensic and toxicological knowledge. This involves establishing a robust network of laboratories capable of identifying and analysing drugs and drug-related harms. This addresses the increasing demand for forensic and toxicological data, specialised expertise and enhanced collaboration between laboratories within Member States.
The EUDA Network of forensic and toxicological laboratories (Network of labs) will enhance the agency’s ability to access relevant information in the area of drugs and drug-related harms, expand its operational capacities in the area, and bring experts from all Member States together to share knowledge, expertise, best practices and up-to-date information.
Organisation
The EUDA is the chair of the Network of labs and will convene one in-person meeting per year, supported, as needed, by additional online technical meetings and trainings.
As part of this role, the agency will also identify and finance specific projects to further the work of the network, as appropriate, and based on clear and transparent rules and procedures. The agency shall establish those rules and procedures prior to identifying such projects.
The Reitox national focal points will be regularly informed about the activities of the network and will have access to the information and data generated by the network.
Composition of the network
The network is composed of forensic, customs, forensic toxicology, and clinical toxicology laboratories designated by each Member State. Each Member State can designate up to three laboratories to the network. A full list and map of participating laboratories is available below.
The interactive map below shows the location of each laboratory in Europe. Laboratories are categorised accoding to their main activity. Note that locations are approximate and have been adapted in some cases to faciltate online viewing.
Types of laboratories
- Forensic: These laboratories are responsible for the analysis of seized drugs, including powders, pills and liquids, to determine their identity, source and method of production. These cases frequently result in or are part of criminal prosecutions.
- Forensic toxicology: These laboratories analyse biological samples, such as blood, urine and hair, from individuals suspected of drug use, typically in criminal cases or investigations into fatal overdoses. They assist in determining the substance involved and its impact on the individual. This information can subsequently be utilised during an inquest or in a court of law.
- Customs: These laboratories are strategically located at Europe's borders, airports, ports and land crossings. It is standard procedure for them to inspect packages, luggage and cargo for hidden or incorrectly labelled substances. Their role is to prevent illegal drugs from entering the EU, and they are able to prosecute those who are caught
- Clinical toxicology: These laboratories are based in hospitals or healthcare settings. They analyse samples to help doctors quickly diagnose and treat people who may have been poisoned or overdosed on drugs, often in emergencies.
To ensure the broadest expertise and coverage possible, relevant expert networks and associations are invited to participate in activities with the EUDA laboratory network.
The Joint Research Centre (JRC), a European Commission entity that provides independent, evidence-based knowledge and science, is a member of the network and represents the Commission.
The network will also work together with relevant EU agencies and key international partners. This cooperation will enable the network to avoid duplication, promote synergies and facilitate better knowledge transfer.
The EUDA may also select additional laboratories or experts particularly active in forensic and toxicological investigations of drugs and drug-related harm, where appropriate, for specific projects.
Objectives
The main objectives of the network are to improve how to:
- gather accurate, real-time data on drug trends;
- detect new or dangerous substances;
- share knowledge and best practices between countries, and promote the implementation of quality assurance schemes;
- support rapid responses to drug-related health threats;
- support the adoption of innovative approaches to forensic and toxicological research, as well as precursor and drug profiling;
- support the work of the EU Early Warning System (EWS) on new psychoactive substances (NPS), the European Drug Alert System, the European Threat Assessment System, and other data collection programmes, for example, wastewater analysis, syringe analysis, drug-related hospital emergencies, and drug checking services.
Support is provided according to regular assessments of needs and priorities.
Events
EUDA Network of labs meetings
Launch of the network – 12 November 2024
On 12 November 2024, the EUDA convened the inaugural meeting of the network, which took place online, to review the initial progress in setting up the network and to outline its operational framework. The meeting also provided a platform for experts from across Europe to connect, exchange views and best practice, and explore ongoing challenges in the drugs field.
Online technical meetings
Analytical challenges in the identification of semi-synthetic cannabinoids – 18 June 2025
This online technical meeting was convened to provide a forum for members of the network and invited experts to gain a better understanding of some of the analytical challenges in the identification of semi-synthetic cannabinoids (SSCs), to discuss specific cases, provide information on the analytical libraries developed by the EUDA and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) to support the identification of new SSCs and to facilitate an exchange of views on the latest developments in the area.
Assessing synthetic cannabinoid production in Europe: current situation and potential threats – 19 February 2025
This online technical meeting was convened to provide a forum for members of the network and invited experts to discuss specific cases, to exchange information on the latest developments, and to obtain an overview on synthetic cannabinoid production in the European Union.
Contact
For enquiries about the Laboratory Network, please contact: