It is unclear at present how the proposal by China and Pakistan for an Aspirational (Ethical) Code under the BTWC will be taken forward through to the 9th Review Conference of the Convention in 2022. However, some difficult questions will have to be addressed for this process to be successful in producing a code that can then be implemented in more detailed codes of conduct and codes of practice in national and professional settings after the Review Conference.

Riot control agents, are often employed for law enforcement. They also are open to misuse. Despite the ongoing misuse of these chemicals by police and security forces, CWC States Parties have not publicly raised any such cases as matters of concern within the OPCW nor has any OPCW policymaking organ addressed the nature and scope of “law enforcement” under the CWC.