Germany is a Federal State where the Federal Laenderenjoy a high level of autonomy also in many aspects of narcotic drugs policy. According to Article 83 of the German Basic Law, they shall execute Federal statutes, unless otherwise provided for by the Basic Law. The Federal Laender have jurisdiction in criminal proceedings over narcotic drugs (except for decisions of last instance by the supreme Federal Courts) and are responsible for monitoring the narcotic drugs trade in doctors' surgeries, pharmacies and hospitals. On the other hand, the control of licit commercial trade with narcotic drugs (manufacture, trade, import, export) as well as the granting of licences is within the purview of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).