Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)
Definition
The international treaty prohibiting the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons, in force since 1997 with 193 states parties. Implemented by the OPCW in The Hague. Schedule 1 lists agents and precursors with little or no use outside chemical warfare; Schedule 2 and 3 list dual-use chemicals subject to declaration and inspection.
- In force since
- 1997
- States parties
- 193
- Implementing body
- OPCW, The Hague
- Schedule 1
- Agents/precursors with little non-warfare use
- Schedule 2/3
- Dual-use chemicals, declaration and inspection
Common questions
How does the CWC's schedule system affect a forensic chemical-weapons investigation?+
The schedule a chemical falls under determines what declaration and verification obligations apply to it internationally, and investigators use that classification to judge how tightly a state or facility should have been controlling access to the material found.
Does the CWC itself set forensic analytical standards?+
The treaty establishes the legal and inspection framework rather than laboratory methods. Forensic identification of chemical warfare agents follows OPCW-designated laboratory procedures and accreditation, which operate under the CWC's authority but are a separate technical layer.
Related terms
- Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Inhibition
- The primary mechanism of toxicity for all organophosphate nerve agents, including sarin, VX, and Novichok compounds. The agent phosphorylates the serine residue...
- Alpha Spectrometry
- An analytical technique for measuring the energy spectrum of alpha particles emitted by radionuclides. Used in the Litvinenko investigation to detect and...
- DRDE Gwalior
- The Defence Research and Development Establishment in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. The primary national laboratory for chemical agent detection, characterisation, and protective...
- IMPA (Isopropyl Methylphosphonic Acid)
- The primary hydrolysis product of sarin (GB). Detected in urine of sarin-exposed individuals and in environmental matrices by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS. The...
- Novichok
- A class of organophosphate nerve agents developed under the Soviet Union's Foliant programme, structurally distinct from G-series (sarin, tabun, soman) and V-series...
- Nuclear Forensics
- The analysis of nuclear or other radioactive material and related evidence to determine the material's origin, history, and intended use. Uses isotope-ratio...
- OPCW Designated Laboratory
- A laboratory authorised by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to conduct official CWC verification analysis. Must pass biennial proficiency...
- Polonium-210 (Po-210)
- An alpha-emitting radionuclide (half-life 138.4 days) produced by neutron bombardment of bismuth-209. Used as the weapon in the Litvinenko murder. Detectable at...
- Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD)
- A device that combines conventional explosive with radioactive material, intended to disperse radioactive contamination over an area. Often called a 'dirty bomb.'...