The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention

The Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons (BTWC) entered into force in 1975. It is complementary to the 1925 Geneva Protocol, prohibiting the development, production, stockpiling or acquiring/retaining in any other way microbial or other biological agents or toxins whatever their origin, that are not designed for prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purposes. It also covers weapons, equipment or means of delivery designed for hostile purposes or armed conflict. However, the BTWC has no implementation organisation or control mechanism other than a three-person Implementation Unit (IU) in Geneva.