Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:C2024C00434:schedule:3:p25
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:C2024C00434
Segment Type: schedule
Provision Reference: sch 3 (pt 25/95)
Character Range: 325829–328627

in a manner to ensure the destruction of the chemical weapons; and that the destruction process can be verified under the provisions of this Convention.
Order of destruction
15. The order of destruction of chemical weapons is based on the obligations specified in Article I and the other Articles, including obligations regarding systematic on‑site verification. It takes into account interests of States Parties for undiminished security during the destruction period; confidence‑building in the early part of the destruction stage; gradual acquisition of experience in the course of destroying chemical weapons; and applicability irrespective of the actual composition of the stockpiles and the methods chosen for the destruction of the chemical weapons. The order of destruction is based on the principle of levelling out.
16. For the purpose of destruction, chemical weapons declared by each State Party shall be divided into three categories:
Category 1:  Chemical weapons on the basis of Schedule 1 chemicals and their parts and components;
Category 2:  Chemical weapons on the basis of all other chemicals and their parts and components;
Category 3:  Unfilled munitions and devices, and equipment specifically designed for use directly in connection with employment of chemical weapons.

17. A State Party shall start:
(a) the destruction of Category 1 chemical weapons not later than two years after this Convention enters into force for it, and shall complete the destruction not later than 10 years after entry into force of this Convention. A State Party shall destroy chemical weapons in accordance with the following destruction deadlines:
(i) Phase 1: Not later than two years after entry into force of this Convention, testing of its first destruction facility shall be completed. Not less than 1 per cent of the Category 1 chemical weapons shall be destroyed not later than three years after the entry into force of this Convention;
(ii) Phase 2: Not less than 20 per cent of the Category 1 chemical weapons shall be destroyed not later than five years after the entry into force of this Convention;
(iii) Phase 3: Not less than 45 per cent of the Category 1 chemical weapons shall be destroyed not later than seven years after the entry into force of this Convention;
(iv) Phase 4: All Category 1 chemical weapons shall be destroyed not later than 10 years after the entry into force of this Convention.
(b) the destruction of Category 2 chemical weapons not later than one year after this Convention enters into force for it and shall complete the destruction not later than five years after the entry into force of this Convention. Category 2 chemical weapons shall be destroyed in equal annual increments throughout the destruction period. The comparison factor for such weapons