Why is it difficult to verify that countries are obeying the Biological Weapons Convention?

Verifying compliance with the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) is exceptionally difficult primarily because the treaty lacks formal, intrusive inspection and verification procedures.12

Several factors contribute to this challenge:

• Ease of Concealment: Unlike nuclear weapons programs, which often require large-scale infrastructure, biological weapons programs can be small and easily hidden. They can be clandestinely housed within a few buildings or disguised as legitimate pharmaceutical or vaccine-production facilities.12
• Lack of Unique Signatures: Because these programs can be integrated into dual-use facilities, they often produce few telltale signs or "signatures" that would alert outside observers to illicit activity.2
• Limited Detection Capabilities: Reliance on "national technical means," such as satellite imagery, is often insufficient to detect covert biological research. Without an international, intrusive reporting and inspection system, it is difficult to distinguish between peaceful research and prohibited weapons development.2

The absence of these verification mechanisms means that signatories have no strong assurance that other members are adhering to the treaty, leaving the international community reliant on intelligence gathering to identify potential violations.2