The Spanish Verification Unit participates in an inspection conducted by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

• A member of this Unit, which operates under the Defence Staff has been part of the escort team.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPAQ, in Spanish) has conducted an inspection at a chemical facility located in Reus (Tarragona). The activity was carried out within the framework of the control and verification provisions established by the Chemical Weapons Convention .

A member of the Spanish Verification Unit (UVE, in Spanish) participated as a member of the escort team, ensuring transparency and proper conduct throughout the process.

During the inspection, it was confirmed that the production activities of the inspected chemical company were in compliance with current legislation and with the requirements laid out by the Convention, thereby guaranteeing that operations at the plant do not breach international regulations regarding the use of chemical substances.

The outcome of the inspection was positive, reaffirming Spain’s commitment to security and to fulfilling its international obligations concerning chemical weapons.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPAQ) is a United Nations-affiliated body headquartered in The Hague (The Netherlands). Spain joined the Organisation in 1993, which led to the establishment of the ANPAQ. This body operates under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and is aligned with the Ministry of Industry and Tourism. Its mission is to support Spain’s compliance with the obligations undertaken upon accession to the Convention.

The Convention sets out a list of chemical substances that may be used lawfully for industrial purposes but are also susceptible to misuse. The OPAQ conducts regular inspections in States Parties to the Convention at industrial and chemical complexes handling such compounds, with the objective of verifying their legitimate use and ensuring they are not diverted to purposes others than industrial. 

This operation represents yet another collaboration between the Ministry of Defence, through the UVE, and the ANPAQ within the verification framework. The UVE contributes its expertise by supporting ANPAQ during inspections, working in coordination with the staff of the chemical company and the OPAQ inspectors. It is also verified that no sensitive information belonging to the company under inspection is disclosed during the inspection process.