1. Chemical weapons and chemical warfare agents (CWA)

1.1 Definition

Chemical weapons are defined in Article II of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which came into force in 1997:

1. Chemical weapons" means the following elements, taken together or separately:

(a) toxic chemicals and their precursors, except those intended for purposes not prohibited under this Convention, so long as the types and quantities involved are consistent with such purposes;

b) munitions and devices specifically designed to cause death or other damage through the toxic action of toxic chemicals as defined in paragraph a), which would be released as a result of the use of such munitions and devices;

c) any equipment specifically designed for use in direct connection...