BIS Seeking Comments on Commercial Effects of Chemical Weapons Convention

The Bureau of Industry and Security is accepting comments until Dec. 28 on the effects of import and export restrictions under the Chemical Weapons Convention on commercial activities involving "Schedule 1" chemicals during 2017, BIS said. Any information received will help BIS prepare its annual certification to Congress on whether the legitimate commercial activities and interests of chemical, biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms are being harmed by the implementation, the agency said. The CWC is an international arms control treaty, implemented in the U.S. by the Export Administration Regulations for exports and the Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations for imports. As defined by the convention, "Schedule 1" chemicals consist of toxic chemicals and precursors that pose a "high risk" to the object and purpose of the CWC. The Defense Department operates the two U.S. facilities that produce these chemicals for "protective purposes."