Abstract: A method for the production of printed circuit boards comprises the steps of producing recesses (2, 3, 4, 5) and/or through holes (2a) in a substrate (1) made from insulating material, in particular by means of laser-ablation, wherein the recesses and/or through holes correspond to the desired structure of conductive tracks and/or plated through holes; introducing a base layer (6) on one or both sides of the substrate (1); and introducing a conductive material (7) onto the base layer (6) which is catalytic and/or activating relative to the conductive material (7). The base layer (6) is selectively removed from the substrate (1), except in the recesses and/or in the through holes, by means of laser-ablation prior to introduction of the conductive material (7). Processing of the surface of the conductive material, the base layer or of the substrate is no longer necessary.