The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) is the first multilateral framework that seeks to eliminate chemical weapons as a category of weapons of mass destruction. The Preparatory Commission for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) was established in 1997 as the entry-into-force of the CWC in order to lay out standard operating procedures and implement the regime of the CWC. The provisions of the CWC create a transparent regime that can verify the destruction of chemical weapons, prevent the re-emergence in any party, and provide protection against chemical weapons. It also encourages cooperation on the peaceful uses of chemistry.

Opened for Signature: 13 January 1993

Entry into force: 29 April 1997

Official Text: http://disarmament.un.org/treaties/t/cwc/text

Status and Signatories: http://disarmament.un.org/treaties/t/cwc

ACA Backgrounder: https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/cwcglance