The new psychoactive substances act (NpSG) entered into force with its publication in the Federal Law Gazette on 26 November 2016. This law prohibits the acquisition, possession and sale of new psychoactive substances (NPS) as well as sanctioning the passing on of NPS. The NpSG does not apply to substances already controlled under the Medicines Law or the Narcotic Law and explicitly allows accepted use for commercial, industrial and research purposes. In particular, the NpSG introduces generic controls over two NPS groups, i.e. phenethylamines and synthetic cannabinoids.