Exclude completely the possibility of the use of chemical weapons.

The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)’s aim is “to exclude completely the possibility of the use of chemical weapons”. It does so by ensuring that all existing stockpiles of chemical weapons are destroyed, and by putting in place a framework – made up of a set of binding obligations on States Parties and a verification regime run by the Technical Secretariat – to ensure that chemical weapons do not re-emerge.

Chemical weapons may re-emerge in a number of ways: through state-sponsored programmes, through the actions of terrorist or other criminal groups, or through lone individuals. Chemical weapons may be produced by repurposing existing chemical facilities or they may be made on a smaller scale in purpose-built laboratories or even domestic settings. The OPCW works in a variety of ways to prevent these scenarios from happening.

Verification

Any chemical that has legitimate peaceful uses but which may also be used to make chemical weapons is a dual-use chemical.

Import/Export Controls

Addressing the Threat from Chemical Weapons Use

Challenge Inspections

Status of the OPCW’s Contributions to Global Anti-Terrorism Efforts

Chemical Terrorism

Education and Outreach