The draft concerns drug/toxicology-related scientific analysis methods. Laboratories wishing to participate in investigations related to criminal cases must apply the minimum basic methods laid down in the decree as well as the corresponding rates.

This is the first time that these methods have been laid down for Belgium.

The draft concerns drug/toxicology-related scientific analysis methods. Laboratories wishing to participate in investigations related to criminal cases must apply the minimum basic methods laid down in the decree as well as the corresponding rates.

This is the first time that these methods have been laid down for Belgium.

The draft:

- lays down minimum basic methods for drug/toxicology-related scientific analyses in criminal investigations in order to obtain harmonised expert reports in scientific/systematic terms;

- imposes standard ISO 17025 for several of the aforementioned methods on the basis of the 2011 EMA Guideline;

- imposes set rates corresponding to these analyses, thereby improving transparency for service providers as well as persons potentially facing conviction.

Service providers shall be paid by the Belgian State, meaning that they need not wait until the end of criminal proceedings to receive payment.

If a person is convicted, they are also ordered to reimburse the legal expenses for criminal proceedings to the Belgian State after conviction. The list of these legal expenses includes the aforementioned analyses;

- sets conditions for the approval (including the suspension and cancellation thereof) of a laboratory for legal matters in these fields by way of a royal decree;

- details external and internal communication regarding approved laboratories;

- implements transitional measures (48-month period) to receive accreditation/approval.