Glossary and Useful Links
Lists and explanations of key terms used in the Chemical Weapons Convention, with references to relevant authorities and organisations.
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Glossary
This is a list of commonly used terms in the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number | A CAS Registry Number is a unique numeric identifier designated to one substance. |
Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) | The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which entered into force in 1997, is an international treaty which bans the development, production, stockpiling, transfer and use of chemical weapons and also stipulates their timely destruction. |
Consumption | “Consumption” of a chemical means its conversion into another chemical via a chemical reaction. |
Plant Site (Definition under CWC) | The local integration of one or more plants, with any intermediate administrative level, which are under one operational control, and includes common infrastructure, such as: |
Plant (Definition under CWC) | A relatively self-contained area, structure or building containing one or more units with auxiliary and associated infrastructure, such as: |
Precursor | Any chemical reactant which takes part at any stage in the production of a toxic chemical, including any key component of a binary or multi-component chemical system. |
Processing | “Processing” of a chemical is defined as a physical process, such as formulation, extraction and purification, in which a chemical is not converted into another chemical. |
Production | “Production” of a chemical is defined as its formation through chemical reaction. |
Transit Operations (Definition under CWC) | The physical movements in which scheduled chemicals pass through the territory of a State on the way to their intended State of destination. |
Toxic chemical (Definition under CWC) | Any chemical which through its chemical action on life processes can cause death, temporary incapacitation or permanent harm to humans or animals. |
Unit (Definition under CWC) | Combination of items of equipment, including vessels and vessel set up, necessary for the production, processing or consumption of a chemical. |
