C-V/DEC.19

	OPCW	Conference of the States Parties
Fifth Session			C-V/DEC.19
15 - 19 May 2000				19 May 2000
				Original: ENGLISH

DECISION

GUIDELINES REGARDING LOW CONCENTRATION LIMITS FOR DECLARATIONS OF SCHEDULE 2 AND 3 CHEMICALS

The Conference of the States Parties

Recalling the decision at its Fourth Session on guidelines for provisions regarding scheduled chemicals in low concentrations, including in mixtures, in accordance with paragraphs 5 of Parts VII and VIII of the Verification Annex (C-IV/DEC.16, dated 1 July 1999);

Determined to seek the harmonisation of provisions regarding Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 chemicals in low concentrations, consistent with the non-discriminatory and effective implementation of the Convention;

Cognisant of the economic and administrative implications of the implementation of such guidelines for States Parties;

Noting the decision by the Executive Council at its Tenth Meeting recommending that the Conference of the States Parties consider and adopt this decision at its Fifth Session;

Hereby:

1. Decides, with regard to the applicable concentration limits for declarations under Parts VII and VIII of the Verification Annex, that:

(i) declarations are not required for mixtures of chemicals containing 30 percent or less of a Schedule 2B or a Schedule 3 chemical; and

(ii) States Parties are requested to take measures in accordance with Article VII, paragraph 1, to implement these guidelines by 1 January 2002; and

Requests the Director-General to task the Scientific Advisory Board to study all relevant aspects of the applicable concentration limits for mixtures of chemicals containing Schedule 2A and 2A* chemicals and to report the results to the Council for consideration with a view to a decision being submitted for the consideration of States Parties at the Sixth Session of the Conference of the States Parties.

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