Psychotropic substances are substances, natural or synthetic, or any salt or preparation of such substance or materials included in the list of psychotropic substances specified in the Schedule to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act,1985. The use of psychotropic substances for medical and scientific purposes is indispensable. However, the abuse of these substances could result in damage to public health and consequent socio-economic problems.

India is a signatory to the said UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances,1971 and is required to ensure that manufacturers and all other persons authorized to trade in and distribute psychotropic substances keep records showing details of the quantities manufactured, quantities held in stock, and, for each acquisition and disposal, details of the quantity, date, supplier and recipient. The Government of India is required to furnish to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), Vienna an annual report in accordance with Form "P" containing the information on quantities manufactured, exported to and imported from each country or region as well as on stocks held by manufacturers.

The Online system has been developed with a view to improving the collection and compilation of statistical data to be reported to INCB, Vienna.