Sub-regional Training Course on Technical Aspects of the CWC Transfers' Regime Held in Malacca

Course participants explored discrepancies in the reporting of transfers of Scheduled chemicals

A sub-regional training course for customs authorities in South and South East Asia on the Technical Aspects of the Transfers’ regime of the Chemical Weapons Convention took place at the Royal Malaysian Customs Training Academy (AKMAL) in Malacca, Malaysia from 27 to 31 July 2009. Thirty-three participants from 16 States Parties* attended the training course as did two participants from Myanmar, a State not Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

The training course offers comprehensive information on technical issues relating to the transfers’ regime: an overview of the CWC and the OPCW, the rights and obligations of States Parties to the CWC, the role of the National Authority, and the need for effective interaction with stakeholders. The course also covered the recommendations of the World Customs Organization (WCO) on identifying Scheduled chemicals in the Harmonised System and sources of information for customs officials and customs laboratories, i.e. the Handbook on Chemicals, the OPCW Central Analytical Database, and other useful databases.

Course participants explored discrepancies in the reporting of transfers of Scheduled chemicals and practical customs-related matters such as control of Scheduled chemicals in free ports and free zones, risk assessment, transshipments, and software for customs services. They received instruction on practical ways to eliminate discrepancies between the quantities of Scheduled chemicals declared by importing and exporting States Parties in respect of the same transfers. Practical exercises and group discussions enhanced their capacity to effectively track the import and export of Scheduled chemicals, and participating customs authorities shared information about their efforts in implementing the provisions of the transfers’ regime.

Participants also visited the West Ports facility at Port Klang to observe and understand the procedures adopted by the Royal Malaysian Customs Authority to monitor the import and export of chemicals. The training course was funded through a voluntary contribution by the Republic of Korea and received highly favorable assessments.

* Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Maldives, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Viet Nam

OPCW NEWS 37/2009

Categories: Asia, Non-proliferation of chemical weapons