• Guideline and Application Form
• Objectives
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact information

Under the Programme, the OPCW Technical Secretariat supports the voluntary transfer of laboratory equipment, which must be in good working condition, from institutions in developed countries to institutions to other countries. The Secretariat will not be responsible for soliciting such equipment, but it will facilitate the transfer once an agreement is reached between the two parties (the one donating the equipment, and the one receiving it).

Further, the Secretariat may also support the training of technicians to maintain such equipment. The criteria for such support are set out in Note S/307/2002/Rev.1 [PDF - 53 KB] circulated by the Secretariat to all Member States. An application form for seeking assistance from the International Cooperation Branch is enclosed with the note.

If interested donors or recipients inform the Secretariat that they have available (in the offer form), or are in need of such equipment (in the request form), the International Cooperation Branch will arrange to provide relevant information from the database maintained by it or circulate such offers/requests to interested parties.

1. What is the objective of this programme?

This programme aims to promote exchange of scientific equipment relating to the development and application of chemistry for industrial, agricultural, research, medical, pharmaceutical, and other peaceful purposes.

2. What is the purpose behind this programme?

In industrialised countries, equipment which was once state-of-the-art is often replaced long before it ceases to be functional. On the other hand, institutions in countries whose economies are developing sometimes need such equipment to enable them to achieve their development objectives.

3. What is the information flow to implement this programme?

Using Annex 3 (Equipment Transfer Offer Form annexed the Note S/307/2002) interested donors may inform the Secretariat that they have available equipment for donation. Recipients may also use Annex 2 (Equipment Transfer Request Form) to inform the needed equipment. The Secretariat maintains a database from which such information could be provided to interested parties upon request.

4. What are the formalities to be completed for receiving support?

The recipient institution has to apply with the following documents:

1. A duly completed application form (Annex 1 to the Note S/307/2002) is to be signed by an authorised representative of the recipient institution
2. A letter of offer from the donor indicating the technical specifications of the equipment to be donated;
3. A certificate from the supplier or any other competent person regarding the remaining useful life of the equipment;
4. A cost estimate of the proposed transfer, based on quotations from at least three reputable transporters; and
5. The duly completed and signed application shall be submitted either through the relevant National Authority, or through the Permanent Representation of the recipient’s Member State.

5. How does the OPCW support the transfer of equipment?

This is through financial support for the cost of transporting the equipment from donor institutions in Member States to recipient institutions in developing countries.

6. What is the funding procedure?

• The Secretariat will pay to the recipient institution, in advance, 70% of the total costs, calculated on the basis of the quotations received including insurance costs. The balance will be paid after the receiving institution submits a report confirming that the equipment has been received (see subparagraph 5.4 in the Note).
• If a technician from the recipient institution needs to be trained or an expert from the donor institution needs to visit the recipient institution to provide such training, the Secretariat will provide the cost of the travel, daily subsistence allowance for the trainee or the expert.

Mr Farid Tata
International Cooperation Branch,
International Cooperation and Assistance Division
Tel  +31 70 416 3807
Fax +31 70 416 3279
icb@opcw.org