BIS Seeks Comments on Impact of CWC on Commercial Biotechnology Activities Involving "Schedule 1" Chemicals
The Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a notice of inquiry seeking public comments by December 17, 2007 on the impact that the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention has had on commercial biotechnology activities involving "Schedule 1" chemicals1 during calendar year 2007.
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BIS states that the purpose of its notice of inquiry is to collect information to assist BIS in its preparation of the annual Presidential certification required under Condition 9 of Senate Resolution 75 (1997) entitled, Protection of Advanced Biotechnology, in which the Senate gave its advice and consent to the ratification of the CWC.
President Must Certify Biotech Firms Not Significantly Harmed in 2007
According to BIS, Condition 9 of Senate Resolution 75 calls for the President to certify to Congress on an annual basis that the legitimate commercial activities and interests of chemical, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical firms in the U.S. are not being significantly harmed by the limitations of the CWC on access to, and production of, those chemicals and toxins listed in "Schedule 1."
Therefore, BIS is seeking public comment on any effects that implementation of the CWC has had on commercial activities involving "Schedule 1" chemicals during calendar year 2007.
1The CWC states that whether toxic chemicals or precursors should be included in "Schedule 1" is based on certain criteria including whether (partial list): (a) it has been developed, produced, stockpiled or used as a chemical weapon as defined in Article II of the CWC, and/or (b) it otherwise poses a high risk to the object and purpose of the CWC by virtue of its high potential for use in activities prohibited under the CWC.
-written comments are due by December 17, 2007
| Timir Misra (CWC requirements) | (703) 605-4400 |
| Willard Fisher (submission of comments) | (202) 482-2440 |
CWC "Annex on Chemicals," including list of "Schedule 1" chemicals available at www.opcw.org/html/db/cwc/eng/cwc_annex_on_chemicals.html
BIS notice of inquiry (D/N 071107679-7690-01, FR Pub 11/15/07) available athttp://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-22386.pdf