BIS Requests Comments on Commercial Impact of Chemical Weapons Convention

November 18, 2009

In order to assist in determining whether the legitimate commercial activities and interests of chemical, biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms in the U.S. are significantly harmed by the limitations of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) on access to, and production of, “Schedule 1” chemicals, the Bureau of Industry and Security is requesting public comments any effects implementation of the CWC has had on commercial activities involving “Schedule 1” chemicals during 2009.

The CWC is an international arms control treaty that seeks to limit the proliferation, of among other things, chemical weapons. “Schedule 1” Chemicals consists of those toxic chemicals and precursors set forth in the CWC “Annex on Chemicals”. The CWC restricts the production of these chemicals in signatory countries.

Pursuant to CWC requirements, BIS restricts commercial production or export of “schedule 1” chemicals to research, medical, or pharmaceutical purposes. To allow BIS to properly evaluate the significance of any harm to commercial activities involving “Schedule 1” chemicals, public comments should include both a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the CWC’s impact. To ensure consideration, comments should be submitted by December 10, 2009.