Chemical and biological weapons
DECC is responsible for making sure the UK continues to meet its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). We also take part in efforts, led by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), to strengthen the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC).
Within DECC, the UK National Authority is responsible for implementing the CWC, which has legal effect through the Chemical Weapons Act 1996. The CWC and the Act place legal obligations on those producing, processing, consuming, importing or exporting toxic chemicals.
The UK National Authority works closely with the FCO, the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down, UK industry and academia, and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to ensure we meet the UK’s obligations under the Convention without undue burden on those it affects. It also contributes to UK and international policy on chemical and biological non-proliferation issues.