Arusha - Green Customs Initiative

Referring to the fact that there have been statistically considerable discrepancies in
information between exporting and importing countries on chemical weapons, a delegate from
Kenya asked on the measures in place to address this problem, as there may be some linkage
to illegal trade. Similarly, Ms Elisabeth Mrema representing UNEP-DEC queried on the link
between chemical weapons to those chemicals controlled or restricted by the chemical-related
MEAs. Mr. Laza indicated that there is proposal underway to establish a common database on
chemicals regulated by all MEAs and this may help address such challenges.
A delegate from Tanzania wanted to know how chemical weapons are classified or included
under the controlled list of chemicals under the CWC. Mr. Laza explained that the inclusion
of chemicals under CWC is based on the definition of a chemical weapon provided by the
Convention.
A delegate from Kenya raised concerns that mislabelling is a common technique used in
illegal trade, however, in most developing countries there is no readily available laboratory
capacity to reconfirm the identification of suspected consignments and therefore asked for
available opportunities for such assistance. Mr. Laza noted that there are considerable
opportunities for assistance in chemical analysis such as laboratory personnel training and
laboratory equipment exchange programme.
A delegate from Tanzania was of the opinion that precursors are not chemicals weapons in
themselves but can be used for production of chemicals weapons and in this regard he wanted
to know measures undertaken to ensure that also precursors are well controlled. In response
Mr. Laza pointed out that precursors are still considered as chemical weapons under the CWC
in terms of legal definition of a chemical weapon and controlled chemicals under the
schedules of the Convention which comprises precursors as well.
A delegate from Kenya suggested that s comprehensive list of all countries involved in the
export of chemical weapons to help Customs Officers in risk assessment. Mr. Laza pointed
out that most developed countries such as USA, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Russia,
Netherlands and Finland are involved in chemical weapons related trade. However, he
emphasized that knowing the countries alone might not be helpful but also third party and
importing/exporting companies need to be assessed. Further, he said the Convention has
established a risk assessment database but due to random inspection it becomes difficult to
detect illegal movements of chemicals by readily available means.
Legal Rights and Obligations of the Chemical Weapons Convention
Mr. Sandor Laza representing the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
based in Hague, the Netherlands highlighted on legal right and obligations of the State Parties
under the Chemical Weapons Convention. He informed that each State Party has the right,
subject to the provisions of this Convention to transfer toxic chemicals and their precursors for
purposes not prohibited under this Convention. He said further that implementation of the
CWC shall be undertaken in a manner which avoids hampering the economic or technologic
development of State Parties and international cooperation in the field of chemical activities.
Mr. Laza pointed out that Article I of the Convention prohibits development, production, or
otherwise acquiring, stockpiling or retaining chemical weapons, or transfer, directly or
indirectly, chemical weapons to anyone; using chemical weapons; engaging in any military
preparations to use chemical weapons; assisting, encouraging or inducing, in any way, anyone
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