The Chemical Weapons Convention came into force in 1997, aiming to eliminate an entire category of WMDs by prohibiting the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, transfer or use of chemical weapons by States Parties. These, in turn, must take the steps necessary to enforce prohibition in their jurisdiction. The Convention includes extensive verification measures such as on-site inspections.
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is the implementing body of the Convention. The OPCW has the mandate to ensure the implementation of the provisions of the Convention, including international verification of compliance. It is also a forum for consultation and cooperation among States Parties.