1. What is the National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS)?
The National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) is a program of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Since 1997, NFLIS has systematically collected results of drug chemistry analyses from cases analyzed by state, local, and Federal forensic laboratories. These laboratories analyze substances secured in law enforcement operations across the country. In 2019, DEA expanded NFLIS to include forensic toxicology laboratory data (NFLIS-Tox) and medical examiner and coroner office data (NFLIS-MEC) for deaths in which drugs were identified. These two additional data collection programs were intended to complement NFLIS-Drug and support DEA's mission. The program currently consists of one active database (NFLIS-Drug) and two inactive databases (NFLIS-Tox and NFLIS-MEC). As of July 15, 2025, NFLIS-Drug includes voluntary participation from 44 state systems, 96 local or municipal laboratories/laboratory systems, and 2 federal partners, representing a total of 267 individual laboratories.
2. What will you do with the data?
NFLIS data helps provide a comprehensive picture of our Nation's drug problem and is used in strategic and tactical drug control plans, policies, and operations, and may be used in aggregate for scheduling actions, intelligence, and research.
3. What is the status of the NFLIS-Tox and NFLIS-MEC programs?
Due to shifts in NFLIS priorities, the NFLIS program is no longer recruiting new participants in NFLIS-Tox and NFLIS-MEC at this time. Although data from current participants is still being accepted, the data will not be processed nor made available for searching or reporting until technology upgrades are complete. When the improvements to NFLIS have been implemented and operationalized, DEA will reach out to the community to resume recruiting new Tox/MEC Labs.
4. How is the NFLIS data accessed?
Visitors to the NFLIS website can download Publications and view chemical information for the growing list of NFLIS Substances reported to the program. Visitors can also create a free account with NFLIS to access the Data Query System (DQS), where the full database can be searched, data aggregated at the state, regional, and national level, and query results downloaded in report format. NFLIS participants (i.e., reporting laboratories) can access, through DQS, a detailed view of their own data after it has been processed and integrated into the NFLIS core tables.
5. Who is eligible to participate in NFLIS-Drug?
To be an eligible drug chemistry laboratory, you must perform analyses on drugs seized by law enforcement officers in the United States and territories.
6. How do I become a NFLIS participant?
To become a NFLIS participant, please email NFLIS@dea.gov to let us know you are interested in becoming part of the program. A NFLIS staff member will contact you to discuss the program and initiate the process to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between your organization and the DEA. Please see the NFLIS-Drug Data Submission Guidelines for details on the data requirements and submission process for participating laboratories. Once the MOU has been signed by both parties, NFLIS staff will work with you to ensure your files are transmitted to and integrated into DEA's secure system. for details on the data requirements and submission process for participating laboratories. Once the MOU has been signed by both parties, NFLIS staff will work with you to ensure your files are transmitted to and integrated into DEA's secure system.
a. Why does DEA require a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for NFLIS participation?
A MOU is a nonbinding agreement between the DEA and a participating laboratory or office that outlines each party's responsibilities. DEA's intent is to fully inform those that choose to voluntarily participate in NFLIS about what the DEA will collect. Before DEA can begin accepting data from your laboratory or office, an MOU must be in place. Once the MOU is signed, NFLIS will work with your laboratory or office to assist with NFLIS reporting.
b. Why does DEA need to know what LIMS I use?
NFLIS has worked with many LIMS providers to develop automated reporting routines, and NFLIS is working toward improved standardization in data structures and formats being delivered by participants. If DEA has previously worked with your LIMS provider, DEA can ensure that the appropriate technical representatives are available for your questions. If you use a LIMS that is new for DEA, DEA can initiate conversations with that LIMS provider about developing a reporting script for NFLIS reporting.
7. How often do participants submit data?
DEA asks participants to provide a file of completed seized drug analyses each month.
8. Are NFLIS data secure?
Yes, NFLIS data are housed on DEA's secure network.
9. Is participation compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?
Yes, NFLIS does not collect any personally identifiable information (PII).
10. Are public users able to see the source laboratory for each report?
No, NFLIS doesn’t release laboratory-specific data; only aggregate data similar to what is included in the NFLIS Publications. However, NFLIS participants are able to view their own data in detail through the DQS system.
11. Who has access to raw data deliveries to NFLIS and the core NFLIS data tables?
Data are stored on a secure DEA network and access is restricted to select staff from the DEA and data management staff from the DEA's NFLIS contractor.