Chemical Weapons Convention
Fact Sheet
Bureau of Arms Control
Washington, DC
April 27, 2005
Chemical Weapons Convention States Parties & Signatories
The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) bans the development, production,
acquisition, stockpiling, retention, and direct or indirect transfer of
Chemical Weapons. It also prohibits the use or preparation for use of CW and
the assistance, encouragement, or inducement of anyone else to engage in
activities prohibited by the CWC.
The CWC entered into force on April 29, 1997, following ratification by 65
signatories. As of September 23, 2004, 168 countries have either ratified or
acceded to the CWC. Another 16 are signatories (countries listed below in
regular type face that are not followed by dates).
TOTAL States Parties = 168
YEMEN–RATIFIED 10/2/00
