OPCW: The Legal Texts

Detailed table of contents

Foreword by the Director-General of the OPCW

Introduction by the Legal Adviser

Table of Abbreviations

 

PART ONE: SUBSTANCE

Chemical Weapons Convention

1. Text of the Convention

- Annex on Chemicals

- Verification Annex

- Confidentiality Annex

2. Declarations and statements made upon signature, ratification or accession

3. Amendments/changes to the text of the Convention

3.1 New paragraph 5bis of Section B of Part VI of the Verification Annex, effective 31 October 1999 (EC-MII/DEC.1) and EC-XVII/DG.6)

 

Interpretation

 
 
4.                 CHEMICAL WEAPONS (CW) ISSUES           

4.1 Understanding on what is considered a chemical weapon under Article II 1(b) and (c) (C-III/DEC.13)

4.2 Understanding on references to munitions in VA IV(A) 1(c)(iii) and (iv) (C-I/DEC.14)

4.3 Understanding on the precision of declarations of national aggregate quantities of toxic chemicals and their precursors defined as CW and of individual munitions and container items (C-I/DEC.15)

4.4 Understanding on simulant filled munitions for testing chemical munitions destruction procedures (C-I/DEC.16)

4.5  Decision on simulation equipment (C-IV/DEC.15)

4.6 Decision on destroyed CW munitions retained for display or training purposes (C-I/DEC.26)

4.7    Costs of verification

4.7.1 Understanding on the costs of verification under Articles IV and V (C-I/DEC.74* and C-II/DEC.17*) [for 1997 and 1998]

4.7.2 Decision on the costs of verification under Articles IV and V (C-III/DEC.8) [commencing 1999]

4.7.3 Decision on costs of inspections of abandoned CW (C-IV/DEC.5) (effective 01-01-1999)

4.8 Old CW

4.8.1 Proposed verification measures for OPCW; draft criteria and factors to determine usability of OCW (S/166/2000)

4.8.2 Detailed verification measures for the application of usability criteria (S/231/2000)

4.9 Abandoned CW

4.9.1 Decision on declaration requirements for CW and the determination of how States Parties report CW on their territory which are owned by another State (C-IV/DEC.10)

4.9.2 Decision on costs of inspections of abandoned CW (C-IV/DEC.5) [effective 01-01-1999]

4.10 CW buried after 1976 or dumped at sea after 1984:

4.10.1 Understanding on declaration requirements (C-I/DEC.30)

4.10.2 Understanding with respect to the terms "buried by a state party on its territory" and "dumped at sea" (C-I/DEC.31)

4.10.3 Decision on all aspects of the issue, including a possible challenge inspection (C-III/DEC.12)

 

5. CHEMICAL WEAPONS STORAGE FACILITY (CWSF) ISSUES

5.1 Understanding on references to munitions in VA IV(A) 1(c)(iii) and (iv) (C-I/DEC.14)

5.2 Understanding on the declaration of CW locations and their detailed inventories (C-I/DEC.17)

5.3 Decision on declarations for CW storage locations and national aggregate declarations (C-I/DEC.18)

5.4 Understanding on verification activities at a temporary holding area within a CWDF (C-I/DEC.19)

5.5 Recommendations for determining the frequency of systematic on-site inspections of storage facilities (C-I/DEC.10)

5.6 Guidelines with respect to the applicability of bilateral/multilateral verification procedures (C-I/DEC.21)

 

6. CHEMICAL WEAPONS DESTRUCTION FACILITY (CWDF) ISSUES

6.1 Conference recommendations for guidelines for transitional verification arrangements and understanding in relation thereto (C-I/DEC.11)

6.2 Guidelines for the assessment and approval of Transitional Verification Arrangements for CWDFs operational during the first 390 days after EIF (EC-I/DEC.2)

6.3 Deadlines for submission of information specified in VA IV(A) 30 to 32 (C-I/DEC.9)

6.4 Understanding on verification activities at a temporary holding area within a CWDF (C-I/DEC.19)

6.5 Decision on temporary holding areas at CWDFs (C-I/DEC.27)

6.6 Guidelines on detailed procedures for verification and for the conduct of inspections at CWDFs (C-I/DEC.6)

6.7 Guidelines with respect to applicability of bilateral/multilateral verification procedures (C-I/DEC.21)

6.8 Criteria for the applicability and sufficiency of bilateral/multilateral verification procedures (C-I/DEC.25)

6.9 Decision on the extension of the intermediate deadline for destruction by the Russian Federation of 1% of its Category 1 CW stockpiles (C-V/DEC.14)

 

7. CHEMICAL WEAPONS PRODUCTION FACILITY (CWPF) ISSUES

7.1 Understanding on the procedures for the closure/inactivation of a CWPF (C-I/DEC.24)

7.2 Understanding regarding primary decontamination of CWPFs (C-I/DEC.23)

7.3 Understandings in relation to the temporary conversion of CWPFs to CWDFs (C-I/DEC.28)

7.4 Agreed guidelines for "levelling out" in the destruction of CWPFs (C-I/DEC.29)

7.5 Facility converted for purposes not prohibited

7.5.1 Decision on Changes in chemical process equipment or plans for new types of chemical products at a Facility converted for purposes not prohibited under the Convention (C-IV/DEC.8)

7.6 The Secretariat practical approach to determining specialised equipment at a CWPF (S/114/99)

7.7 CWPFs: Absence of documentation on the destruction or disposal of equipment (subpara. 3.3 of EC-XVI/2 and EC-XVI/DG.14)

7.8 Certificates confirming the destruction of CWPFs (subpara. 3.4 of EC-XVI/2, EC-XVI/HP/DG.2** and EC-XVI/DG.16)

** This document is distributed to States Parties only, in accordance with the Confidentiality Annex to the Convention, the OPCW Policy on Confidentiality and the Manual of Confidentiality Procedure

 

8. ARTICLE VI ISSUES (ACTIVITIES NOT PROHIBITED)

8.1 GENERAL

8.1.1 Understanding on the scope of the term "alkyl" in the Schedules of Chemicals (C-I/DEC.35)

8.1.2 Understanding on the meaning of "production" for the purposes of Article VI (C-II/DEC.6)

8.1.3 Understanding on changes to annual declarations (C-I/DEC.38)

8.1.4 Understandings on the frequency, duration, and intensity of inspection of industrial facilities (C-I/DEC.33)

8.1.5 Understanding on mixed plants (C-I/DEC.40)

8.1.6 Understandings on verification at mixed plant sites (C-I/DEC.34)

8.1.7 Understanding on sub-distribution and packaging (C-I/DEC.36)

8.2 SCHEDULE 1

8.2.1 Understanding on the meaning of "production" in Schedule 1 production facilities (C-I/DEC.43)

8.2.2 Understanding on transfers of Schedule 1 chemicals (C-I/DEC.41)

8.2.3 Interim practical guideline on transfers of saxitoxin for medical/diagnostic purposes (EC-XII/DEC.5 and EC-XV/DEC.5) valid from 09-10-98 to 31-10-99 and thereafter VA VI 5bis

8.2.4 Frequency of inspections at Schedule 1 facilities and Schedule 2 plant sites (subpara. 9.4 of EC-XVII/2, EC-XVI/TS.3*/Rev.1)

8.2.5 Decision on reporting of ricin production (C-V/DEC.17)

8.3 SCHEDULE 2

8.3.1 Understandings on the assessment of the risk posed by a Schedule 2 plant site to the object and purpose of the Convention (C-I/DEC.32)

8.3.2 The algorithm used for the assessment of the risk posed by Schedule 2 plant sites (subpara. 3.3 of EC-XIV/2 and EC-XIV/DG.4; subpara. 10.3 of EC-XVI/2; EC-XVI/DG.5 and Corr. 1)

8.3.3 Understanding on consumption of a Schedule 2 chemical in waste disposal (C-I/DEC.37)

8.3.4 Understanding on recycled Schedule 2 chemicals (C-I/DEC.42)

8.3.5 Decision on guidelines for provisions regarding scheduled chemicals in low concentrations, including mixtures in accordance with VA VII 5 (C-IV/DEC.16)

8.3.6 Decision on implementation on transfers of Schedule 2 chemicals to and from States not Party (C-V/DEC.16)

8.3.7 Guidelines regarding low concentration limits for declarations of Schedule 2 and 3 chemicals (C-V/DEC.19)

8.3.8 Criteria for making Schedules 2 and 3 industry declarations (subpara. 10.2 of EC-XVI-2 and EC-XVI/DG.6 and Corr.1)

8.3.9 Decision on the rounding rule in relation to declarations of scheduled chemicals (EC-XIX/DEC.5)

8.3.10 Understanding on the application of rounding rules for declarations under VA VII and VIII (S/105/99)

8.3.11 Understanding of "main activities of the plant or plant site" under VA VII, VIII and IX (S/101/99)

8.3.12 Understandings on the frequency, duration and intensity of inspection of industrial facilities (C-I/DEC.33)

8.3.13 Implementation of paragraphs 12 of VA VII and VA VIII ( subpara. 4.2 of EC-XIV/2  and EC-XIV/DG.7/Rev.1)

8.3.14 Frequency of inspections at Schedule 1 facilities and Schedule 2 plant sites (subpara. 9.4 of EC-XVII/2, EC-XVI /TS.3*/Rev1)

8.3.15 Understanding on inspection of records during initial Schedule 2 inspections ( subpara. 15.5 of EC-XV/3, EC-XV/TS.2 and Corr.1)

8.3.16 Understanding on inspection of records during initial Schedule 2 inspections and during Schedule 3 and DOC/PSF plant site inspections (subpara. 10.1 of EC-XVI/2 and EC-XVI/TS.1)

8.3.17 Provision of unique codes for Schedule 2 and 3 plant sites S/245/2001 and Corr.1)

 

8.4 SCHEDULE 3

8.4.1 Understanding on the meaning of "end-use(s)" and "end-user(s)" in VA VII 32 and VA VIII 26 (C-III/DEC.6)

8.4.2 Understanding on the meaning of "certificate" in VA VII 32 and VA VIII 26 (C-III/DEC.7)

8.4.3 Decision on guidelines for provisions regarding scheduled chemicals in low concentrations, including mixtures in accordance with VA VIII 5 (C-IV/DEC.16 and subpara. 19.3 of C-IV/6)

8.4.4 Guidelines regarding low concentration limits for declarations of Schedule 2 and 3 chemicals (C-V/DEC.19)

8.4.5 Understanding on the application of rounding rules for declarations under VA VII and VIII (S/105/99)

8.4.6 Criteria for making Schedules 2 and 3 industry declarations (subpara. 10.2 of EC-XVI/2, EC-XVI/DG.6 and Corr.1)

8.4.7 Decision on the rounding rule in relation to declarations of scheduled chemicals (EC-XIX/DEC.5)

8.4.8 Understanding of "main activities of the plant or plant site" under VA VII, VIII and IX (S/101/99)

8.4.9 Understandings on the frequency, duration and intensity of inspection of industrial facilities (C-I/DEC.33)

8.4.10 Implementation of paragraphs 12 of VA VII and VA VIII ( subpara. 4.2 of EC-XIV/2  and EC-XIV/DG.7/Rev.1)

8.4.11 Selection of Schedule 3 plant sites for inspections (EC-XI/TS.3) (used in 1998)

8.4.12 Modification of the method of selecting Schedule 3 plant sites for inspection (EC-XIV/TS.1) (used in 1999)

8.4.13 Methodology for selecting Schedule 3 plant sites for inspection (subpara. 12.2(c) of C-V/6 and EC-XVII/DEC.7)

8.4.14 Additional Schedule 3 inspections for 1999 (subpara. 3.5 of EC-XVI/2 and EC-XVI/DG.11, Corr.1 and Corr.2)

8.4.15 Understanding on inspection of records during initial Schedule 2 inspections and during Schedule 3 and DOC/PSF plant site inspections (subpara. 10.1 of EC-XVI/2 and EC-XVI/TS.1)

8.4.16 Provision of unique codes for Schedule 2 and 3 plant sites S/245/2001 and Corr.1)

 

8.5 OTHER CHEMICAL PRODUCTION FACILITIES (VA IX)

8.5.1 Understandings in relation to VA IX (C-I/DEC.39)

8.5.2 Understanding of "main activities of the plant or plant site" under VA VII, VIII and IX (S/101/99)

8.5.3 Understandings on the frequency, duration and intensity of inspection of industrial facilities (C-I/DEC.33)

8.5.4 Understanding on inspection of records during initial Schedule 2 inspections and during schedule 3 and DOC/PSF plant site inspections (subpara. 10.1 of EC-XVI/2 and EC-XVI/TS.1)

8.5.5 Selection of DOC/PSF plant sites for inspection (subpara. 12.4 of EC-XIX/6)

 

9. CHALLENGE INSPECTION ISSUES

9.1 Common understandings on the Notification Formats in challenge inspection (C-I/DEC.44)

9.2 Understanding on the objective indicators of whether the right to request a challenge inspection has been abused (C-I/DEC.45)

 

10. INVESTIGATIONS OF ALLEGED USE

10.1 Understanding on the status of "Qualified Experts" in the context of investigations of alleged use (C-I/DEC.46)

10.2 Understanding on sampling and analysis during investigations of alleged use (C-I/DEC.47)

 

11. GENERAL RULES OF VERIFICATION

11.1 Understanding on visa procedures for OPCW inspectors and inspection assistants (C-I/DEC.56)

11.2 Understanding on the meaning of "interpretation" (C-II/DEC.9)

11.3 Understanding concerning health and safety regulations (C-I/DEC.8)

11.4 Understandings with respect to the adoption of the list of approved equipment (C-I/DEC.71)

11.5 Procedures for the inspection of equipment (C-I/DEC.7)

11.6 Decision on the use of approved equipment during on-site inspections (C-I/DEC.50)

11.7 Decision on measures in relation to approved equipment following completion of inspection activities (C-I/DEC.51)

11.8 Sequential inspections

11.9 Understandings on the frequency, duration and intensity of inspection of industrial facilities (C-I/DEC.33)

11.10 Analytical standard operating procedures (SOPs) for on-site use (S/119/99 and S/141/99)

11.11 Revision of considerations in relation to sensitive information kept under lock and key at inspected facilities (S/216/2000 and Corr.1)

11.12 Revised templates for preliminary findings and final inspection reports (S/253/2001)

 

12. DESIGNATED LABORATORIES

12.1 Criteria for the conduct of proficiency testing (C-I/DEC.65)

12.2 Understanding on the conditions in relation to proficiency tests (C-I/DEC.66)

12.3 Proficiency testing leading to certification of designated laboratories (C-I/DEC.60)

12.4 Criteria for acceptable performance of laboratories in proficiency testing (C-I/DEC.62)

12.5 Criteria for the designation of laboratories by the OPCW (C-I/DEC.61)

12.6 Understanding on the scope of activities of designated laboratories and the role and status of other laboratories (C-I/DEC.67)

12.7 Revised standard operating procedure for evaluation of the results of OPCW proficiency tests (S/46/98)

12.8 Criteria for the retention of designation status (S/86/98 and Corr.1)

12.9 Guidelines on the designation of laboratories for the analysis of authentic samples (EC-XX/DEC.3)

 

13. CENTRAL OPCW ANALYTICAL DATABASE

13.1 Procedure for the provisional certification of the Central OPCW Analytical Database (C-I/DEC.63)

13.2 Content of the Central OPCW Analytical Database (C-I/DEC.64)

13.3 Consultative mechanism for updating the Central OPCW Analytical Database (subparagraph 11.2(c) of C-II/8 and EC-IV/DEC.2)

13.4 Decision on the certification procedure for the Central OPCW Analytical Database and on-site databases (C-IV/DEC.11)

13.5 Criteria for validation of new analytical data for updating the Central OPCW Analytical Database (S/147/99)

13.6 Decision on guidelines on the designation of laboratories for the analysis of authentic samples (EC-XX/DEC.3)

13.7 Decision on the authentication and certification procedure for the Central OPCW Analytical Database and on-site databases (EC-XX/DEC.5)

 

Implementation

14. POLICY

14.1 OPCW Policy on Confidentiality (C-I/DEC.13, C-I/DEC.13 corrigendum)

14.2 OPCW Media and Public Affairs Policy (C-I/DEC.55)

14.3 OPCW Health and Safety Policy and Regulations (C-I/DEC.8)

 

15. FACILITY AGREEMENTS (ARTICLES IV, V AND VI(3))

15.1 Model for CWSF (C-IV/DEC.12, subpara. 12.2(c) of C-IV/6 and subpara. 7.2 of EC-XIV/2)

15.2 Model for CWDF (C-V/DEC.23 and C-V/DEC.23 Corr.1)

15.3 Model for CWPF (C-IV/DEC.13, subpara. 12.2(c) of C-IV/6 and subpara. 11.2 of EC-XV/3)

15.4 Model for Schedule 1 facilities (C-III/DEC.14)

15.5 Model for Schedule 2 plant sites (C-III/DEC.15, subpara. 12.2(b) of C-III/4 and subpara. 7.2 of EC-XII/3)

 

16. NATIONAL IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES (ARTICLE VII)

16.1 Checklist for the legislator

16.2 Model national implementing legislation and addendum

 

17. PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES (ARTICLE VIII, SECTION E)

17.1 OPCW Headquarters Agreement (C-I/DEC.59) Separate Arrangement

17.2 Part II(B) of the Verification Annex (annotated version)

17.3 Arrangement concerning the issuance of the United Nations laissez-passer to members of OPCW inspection teams

17.4 Technical Secretariat’s proposed text for bilateral agreements on privileges and immunities under Article VIII, para. 50

 

18. PROTECTION (ARTICLE X, PARAGRAPH 5)

18.1 OPCW data bank on protection against CW (C-I/DEC.53)

 

19. ASSISTANCE (ARTICLE X, PARAGRAPH 7)

19.1 Decision on the Voluntary Fund for Assistance (C-I/DEC.52)

19.2 Extract from the Financial Regulations and draft Financial Rules on the Voluntary Fund for Assistance (C-I/DEC.3 and OPCW-TS/DGB/1)

19.3 Guidelines for the use of the Voluntary Fund For Assistance (EC-XII/DEC.3)

19.4 Model bilateral agreement on the procurement of assistance (C-I/DEC.54)

19.5 List of items to be stockpiled for emergency and humanitarian assistance (C-I/DEC.12)

 

20. TRAINING

20.1 Guidelines for the certification of training courses offered by Member States (C-I/DEC.49)

 

21. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

21.1 Relationship Agreement between the United Nations and the OPCW (EC-MXI/DEC.1)

21.2 1986 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties between States and International Organisations, or between International Organisations (C-V/DEC.7)

 

PART TWO: PROCEDURE

22. CONFERENCE OF THE STATES PARTIES (Article VIII(B))

22.1 Rules of procedure of the Conference (C-I/3)

22.2 Procedure for addressing unresolved issues

22.2.1 During the third intersessional period (C-III/DEC.11)

22.2.2 During the fourth intersessional period (C-IV/DEC.18 and subpara. 19.8 of C-IV/6)

22.3 Limited informal understanding on the application of Rule 29 (subpara. 3.8 of S/186/2000)

22.4 Participation of Contracting States in sessions of the Conference (S/186/2000)

 

23. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (Article VIII(C) of the Convention)

23.1 Rules of procedure of the Executive Council (C-I/DEC.72)

23.2 Understanding on the right to request a vote by secret ballot (para. 4 of EC-I/DEC.3)

23.3 Improvement of the efficiency of the decision-making role during the intersessional period (subparagraph 12.9 of EC-XIII/2)

 

24. TECHNICAL SECRETARIAT (Article VIII(D) of the Convention)

24.1 Secrecy agreement

24.2 OPCW Staff Regulations and Rules

24.2.1 Interim staff regulations and rules (C-I/DEC.68 and OPCW-TS/DGB/2*) (in force until 01-07-99)

24.2.2 Staff Regulations and Interim Rules (C-IV/DEC.25, OPCW-TS/DGB/ 4 and OPCW-TS/DGB/5)

24.2.3 Understandings on the top structure of the OPCW (subpara. 12.2(j)(i) of C-IV/6 and C-IV/4)

24.3    OPCW Financial regulations and rules

24.3.1 Financial regulations and draft financial rules (C-I/DEC.3 and OPCW-TS/DGB/1)

24.3.2 Amendments to draft Financial Rules 10.6.04(a)(i), 10.6.04(a)(iii) and 10.6.06(c) (subpara. 11.1 of EC-XVII/2, EC-XVI/DG.10 and Corr.1)

24.3.3 Decision on the establishment of special accounts (C-IV/DEC.17)

24.4 Procurement

24.4.1 General terms and conditions for the purchase of goods

24.4.2 General terms and conditions for the purchase of services

 

25. SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD (Article VIII, subparagraphs 21(h) and 45)

25.1 Terms of reference of the Scientific Advisory Board (C-II/DEC.10)

25.2 Rules of Procedure of the Scientific Advisory Board (EC-XIII/DG.2)

 

26. CONFIDENTIALITY COMMISSION (Confidentiality Annex, paragraph 23)

26.1 Rules Governing the Confidentiality Commission (Part IX.2 of the OPCW Policy on Confidentiality, C-I/DEC.13)

26.2 Operating procedures of the Confidentiality Commission (C-III/DEC.10 and Corr.1)

26.3 Registry of the Confidentiality Commission (C-II/DEC.14)

 

27. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

27.1 Rules 34 and 45 of the Rules of Procedure of the Conference of the States Parties (extract from C-I/3)

27.2 Limited informal understanding on the application of Rule 29 of the Rules of Procedure of the Conference (Annex to S/186/2000)

 

28. ADVISORY BODY ON ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL MATTERS

28.1 Regulation 15.1 of the OPCW Financial Regulations (C-I/DEC.3)

29.2 Establishment of the Advisory Body on Administrative and Financial Matters (EC-II/DEC.1)

29.3 Rules of Procedure of the Advisory Body on Administrative and Financial Matters (Annex 1 to ABAF-II/12)

 

PART THREE: HISTORY

28. Material transmitted by the Conference on Disarmament (1992)

28.1 Common understandings reached in the negotiation of the Convention

28.2 Captive Use

28.3 Factors for lower thresholds of Schedule 2 chemicals

29. UN General Assembly resolution 47/39 (1992)

30. Paris Resolution establishing the Preparatory Commission for the OPCW (1993)

31. Implementation of the Host Country bid (1993-1998)

31.1 Understandings concerning paras. 6, 7, 9, and 11 of Annex 3 of the Paris Resolution (C-I/DEC.5)

31.2 Supplementary Understandings related to the Preliminary Tenancy Agreement for the OPCW building (C-I/DEC.5)

31.3 Preliminary Tenancy Agreement for the OPCW building (C-I/DEC.5)

31.4 Decision on early termination of the contract with the sole supplier (EC-XIII/DEC.2)

32. Protocol regarding the transfer of assets, liabilities, records and functions from the Preparatory Commission to the OPCW (C-I/DEC.4) (1997)

33. Emblem of the OPCW (subparagraph 11.2(d) of C-II/8) (1997)

 

ANNEXES:

Annex 1: Status of the Convention as of 14 March 2001 (S/247/2001)

Annex 2: General obligations under the Convention (S/246/2001)

Annex 3: International agreements registered by the OPCW