SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES OF DESIGNATED LABORATORIES, AND THE ROLE AND STATUS OF OTHER LABORATORIES

The Conference

Recalling that the Commission, in its PC-XVI/36, paragraph 10.3, adopted the "Scope of Activities of Designated Laboratories, and the Role and Status of Other Laboratories",

Bearing in mind that the Commission recommended in paragraph 54.9 of its Final Report that the Conference adopt the above mentioned understanding,

Hereby:

1. Adopts the "Scope of Activities of Designated Laboratories, and the Role and Status of Other Laboratories" annexed hereto.

Annex

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Annex

SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES OF DESIGNATED LABORATORIES, AND THE ROLE AND STATUS OF OTHER LABORATORIES

1. Only the designated laboratories shall perform the analysis of authentic samples. Designated laboratories may perform, inter alia, the following tasks:

(a) the development and validation of analytical and other methods, to include analytical methods for use on-site;

(b) the recording and validation of reference data;

(c) the preparation and validation of reference compounds;

(d) the preparation, validation and distribution of analytical standards;

(e) internal quality assurance;

(f) the development and validation of procedures for the certification, maintenance and storage of inspection equipment, to include protective means; and

(g) the technical training of OPCW inspection personnel.

2. Other laboratories with an appropriate quality assurance programme comparable to internationally recognised standards may perform, inter alia, the following tasks:

(a) the development of analytical and other methods, to include analytical methods for use on-site;

(b) the recording of reference data;

(c) the preparation of reference compounds;

(d) the preparation and distribution of analytical standards;

(e) internal quality assurance;

(f) the development of procedures for the maintenance and storage of inspection equipment, to include protective means; and

(g) the technical training of OPCW inspection personnel.

3. In addition, designated and other laboratories with an appropriate quality assurance programme comparable to internationally recognised standards and fulfilling the requirements as set forth in the Secretariat's standard operating procedures, may perform the following tasks:

(a) preparing samples for OPCW/TS proficiency tests (PC-XI/B/WP.6 and Corr.1, Annex 2); and

(b) assisting the Secretariat in the evaluation of results for OPCW/TS proficiency tests (PC-XIII/B/WP.5, Annex 1).

4. Designated laboratories and other laboratories shall be only from the States Parties, with the widest geographical diversity assured to the extent possible.

5. Any employment of other laboratories' services shall be specifically approved by the Director-General.

6. Except for the analysis of authentic samples, any other contracted services to be provided by designated laboratories as well as by other laboratories shall be subject to all OPCW financial rules and regulations, as well as to the provisions of OPCW procurement rules on competitive bids.

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