Article IV of the Convention requires each State Party to "take any necessary measures to prohibit and prevent the development, production, stockpiling, acquisition, or retention of the agents, toxins, weapons, equipment and means of delivery specified in Article I of the Convention, within the territory of such State, under its jurisdiction or under its control anywhere". What exactly these "necessary measures" are will depend on the circumstances and legal system of each State Party, and there are various different approaches to implementing the provisions of the Convention nationally.

The ISU has prepared a document comprised of the obligations derived from the Convention, agreements reached by review conferences and common understandings identified at Meetings of States Parties.

To date, States Parties have adopted a variety measures. Some of these have been legislative or regulatary in nature. Others have been in the form of guidance or best practice. In addition to 'top-down' approaches, some states have initiated 'bottom-up' efforts to increase stakeholder 'buy-in' and enhance awareness of the Convention and associated issues.


Official Documents on National Implementation

BWC/MSP/2007/MX/INF.1 Previous Agreements, Understandings and Proposals on Enhancing National Implementation - Submitted by the Implementation Support Unit

BWC/MSP/2007/MX/INF.1/Corr.1 Previous Agreements, Understandings and Proposals on Enhancing National Implementation - Submitted by the Implementation Support Unit

BWC/MSP/2007/5 Report of the Meeting of States Parties