The Chemical Weapons Convention provides for the establishment of three subsidiary bodies to aid the three main organs of the OPCW in their work: the Scientific Advisory Board, the Advisory Body on Administrative and Financial Issues, and the Confidentiality Commission.

The Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) is a group composed of independent experts who are mandated to assess relevant scientific and technological developments and report on such subjects to the Director-General. The SAB also provides expert advice on any proposed changes to the Schedules of Chemicals and any other advice that might be required, including in relation to subjects such as verification methodologies and equipment. Read more >>

As a subsidiary organ of the Conference of the States Parties, the main function of the Confidentiality Commission is to settle any disputes between States Parties related to confidentiality. Read more >>

The Advisory Body on Administrative and Financial Issues (ABAF) meets regularly to advise both the Technical Secretariat and the States Parties on issues relating to the OPCW programme and budgets. The ABAF reviews draft budgets prepared by the Technical Secretariat before they are submitted to the Council and the Conference for approval. Read more >>