United States: BIS seeks comments on the impact of the CWC on legitimate business activities

On December 1, 2020, the Bureau of Industry and Security published in the Federal Register a notice of inquiry [Docket No. 201118-0304] seeking public comments on the impact that implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), through the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act of 1998 and the Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations, has had on commercial activities involving “Schedule 1” chemicals during calendar year 2020. The purpose of the notice of inquiry is to collect information to assist BIS in its preparation of the annual certification to the Congress on whether the legitimate commercial activities and interests of chemical, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical firms are harmed by such implementation. This certification is required under Condition 9 of Senate Resolution 75 (April 24, 1997), in which the Senate gave its advice and consent to the ratification of the CWC. Comments must be received by December 31, 2020.