The Spanish Verification Unit Supports OPCW Inspection at INTA Facilities

•  The final assessment by the inspectors was highly positive, confirming that the declared use and quantities of the chemical substances under review matched the on-site findings

The Spanish Verification Unit (UVE in Spanish), in coordination with the National Authority for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (ANPAQ IN Spanish), took part in an inspection carried out by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) at the Chemical Weapons Verification Laboratory ‘La Marañosa’, part of the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA in Spanish), located in San Martín de la Vega, Madrid.

The OPCW inspection team’s final evaluation was very positive. Their report confirmed that the use and quantities of the chemical substances examined were fully consistent with the declarations submitted. The inspectors also expressed their appreciation for the transparency and cooperation shown by the facility’s personnel, who provided all requested information promptly. They also acknowledged the essential support provided by the National Escort Team, which included a member of the UVE, highlighting its key role in the successful outcome of the inspection.

The previous inspection at this facility took place in 2022, triggered by the use of chemical substances in two of its laboratories: the Laboratory for the Evaluation of Chemical Defence Equipment and the Chemical Weapons Verification Laboratory .

The UVE contributes to these inspections in two main capacities: firstly, leveraging its expertise in verification to advise facility managers on compliance with inspection mandates, thereby facilitating the work of both the inspectors and the site personnel; and secondly, ensuring that, upon completion of the inspection, no sensitive information is disclosed that could compromise the commercial interests of the facility.