The U.S. federal government is seeking public comments on the impact that implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), through the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act (CWCIA) and the Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations (CWCR), has had on commercial activities involving “Schedule 1” chemicals during calendar year 2015.
The effort falls under a “Protection of Advanced Biotechnology” legislative clause from the 1997 which requires an annual certification to Congress that legitimate commercial activities and interests of chemical, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical firms in the U.S. are not being impeded by the limitations of the CWC.
Schedule 1 chemicals consist of those toxic chemicals and precursors set forth in the CWC Annex on Chemicals. The CWC restricts the production of such chemicals for protective purposes (e.g. used for determining the adequacy of defense equipment and measures) to two facilities per country and in quantities not exceeding 10 kg per year.
Public comments are sought on any effects to commercial activities involving Schedule 1 chemicals, and should include both a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the impact of the CWC on such activities.
The Office of Administration, Bureau of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of Commerce, displays public comments on the BIS Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Web site
Comments can be made Federal rulemaking portal by searching number BIS-2015-0039, until December 16, 2015.
