# Biological Weapons Convention

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Unlike the Chemical Weapons Convention, which has a dedicated verification body, the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) relies on national export controls and political trust: no permanent international inspection authority exists.

Unlike the Chemical Weapons Convention, which has a dedicated verification body, the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) relies on national export controls and political trust: no permanent international inspection authority exists. In force since 1975, the BWC prohibits the development, production, stockpiling, and transfer of disease agents and toxins intended for use as weapons. For logistics, the treaty is relevant indirectly: national implementing legislation requires that biological materials—laboratory specimens, microbial cultures, medical reference standards—be shipped only with government authorization, appropriate risk classification, and suitable containment packaging. Freight forwarders must confirm that the necessary export licences are in place and that the consignment does not appear on any sanctions or control list.

**Source:** [https://www.un.org/disarmament/wmd/bio](https://www.un.org/disarmament/wmd/bio)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Biological Weapons Convention |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 110 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.un.org/disarmament/wmd/bio |

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