Advances in chemistry bring enormous benefits to humanity — but also risks if misused. The Hague Ethical Guidelines, developed with the support of the OPCW, promote responsible conduct in the chemical sciences to help prevent the re-emergence of chemical weapons, uphold the objectives of the Chemical Weapons Convention, and ensure that chemistry is used only for peaceful purposes.
What are The Hague Ethical Guidelines?
The Guidelines are a cornerstone of OPCW’s broader mission: working together for a world free of chemical weapons. They provide key elements for codes of conduct and serve as a reference point for discussions on ethical issues related to the practice of chemistry in the context of the Chemical Weapons Convention and its provisions. The Guidelines consist of nine core elements and one overarching principle.
The Guidelines:
The Key Elements
Achievements in the field of chemistry should be used to benefit humankind and protect the environment.
Sustainability
Chemistry practitioners have a special responsibility for promoting and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Education
Formal and informal educational providers, enterprise, industry and civil society should cooperate to equip anybody working in chemistry and others with the necessary knowledge and tools to take responsibility for the benefit of humankind, the protection of the environment and to ensure relevant and meaningful engagement with the general public.
Awareness and Engagement
Teachers, chemistry practitioners, and policymakers should be aware of the multiple uses of chemicals, specifically their use as chemical weapons or their precursors. They should promote the peaceful applications of chemicals and work to prevent any misuse of chemicals, scientific knowledge, tools and technologies, and any harmful or unethical developments in research and innovation. They should disseminate relevant information about national and international laws, regulations, policies and practices.
Ethics
To adequately respond to societal challenges, education, research and innovation must respect fundamental rights and apply the highest ethical standards. Ethics should be perceived as a way of ensuring high quality results in science.
Safety and Security
Chemistry practitioners should promote the beneficial applications, uses, and development of science and technology while encouraging and maintaining a strong culture of safety, health, and security.
Accountability
Chemistry practitioners have a responsibility to ensure that chemicals, equipment and facilities are protected against theft and diversion and are not used for illegal, harmful or destructive purposes. These persons should be aware of applicable laws and regulations governing the manufacture and use of chemicals, and they should report any misuse of chemicals, scientific knowledge, equipment and facilities to the relevant authorities.
Oversight
Chemistry practitioners who supervise others have the additional responsibility to ensure that chemicals, equipment and facilities are not used by those persons for illegal, harmful or destructive purposes.
Exchange of Information
Chemistry practitioners should promote the exchange of scientific and technical information relating to the development and application of chemistry for peaceful purposes.
Why do The Hague Ethical Guidelines matter?
While legal obligations and verification measures are essential, the long-term prevention of chemical weapons use also depends on a strong culture of ethical responsibility within the scientific community. Whether developing new technologies, educating future scientists, managing industrial processes, or shaping regulatory frameworks, each actor plays a vital role in ensuring that chemistry is used exclusively for peaceful purposes.
Who are The Hague Ethical Guidelines intended for?
The Guidelines are intended for anybody working in the field of chemistry. They apply to:
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Chemistry practitioners
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Scientists and researchers
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University lecturers and students
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Industry professionals and manufacturers
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Regulators and policymakers
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Professional scientific associations
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Anybody handling chemicals or working in the field of chemistry
How should The Hague Ethical Guidelines be applied?
The Guidelines provide a foundation for ethical standards for chemistry practitioners. Whether developing new codes of conduct or updating existing ones, institutions are encouraged to incorporate and adapt these elements to their specific context, while ensuring alignment with the spirit and objectives of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
How were The Hague Ethical Guidelines developed?
In 2015, the OPCW brought together experts from 24 countries representing all regions of the world to identify and harmonise key elements of ethical guidelines related to the practice of chemistry.
The participants included chemists, representatives of scientific academies and professional societies, and experts in chemical safety and security. Drawing on existing national and international codes of conduct, they examined common principles that promote responsible scientific practice and help prevent misuse.
The group agreed on a set of core elements that reflect shared professional values across cultures and sectors. The outcome was not a new standalone code, but a framework of essential ethical principles that can be adapted and integrated into existing and future codes of conduct.
This inclusive and internationally representative process ensured that the Guidelines reflect both global diversity and a common commitment to upholding the objectives of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Teaching Materials
| Title | Date |
|---|---|
| Hague Ethical Guidelines poster package (ZIP) | 26 February 2026 |
| Exercise to Encourage Discussion on the Principles of The Hague Ethical Guidelines | 28 February 2019 |
| The Hague Ethical Guidelines Jigsaw Exercise | 28 February 2019 |
Related Documents
Unofficial Translations
| Title | Date |
|---|---|
| Die Haager Ethik-Leitlinien übersetzt ins Deutsche | 15 July 2016 |