Chemical Weapons Convention Act 2003
In Force: 16 February 2004

Abstract

This Act deals with the development, production, acquisition and retention of chemicals weapons amongst others.

Under this Act there is established under section 3 an Authority consisted of representatives of various Ministries (section 3 (2)) to effectively perform inter alia the functions of the prohibition of Chemicals Weapons.

The Minister may give any directions to the Authority in the interest of the public and the Authority shall be so bound. (section 6). Section 7 deals with the prohibition of the chemicals weapons and it extends to acts done outside Mauritius by a citizen of Mauritius or any person on board of a national ship or aircraft. (section 8)

There is the wide powers of search upon reasonable grounds that an offence is being committed to enter and seize and forfeit any materials. (section 9 and 10 respectively). Under section 11 and 12, there is laid down the prohibition for the import and export of any chemicals unless approval is obtained by the Authority.

Any person who breaches any part of this Act commits an offence and is liable to a fine of up to 1 million rupees and to imprisonment of a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 15 years. (section 16)

Under section 17, only the Intermediate Court of Mauritius has the jurisdiction to try any offence and impose any liabilities under this Act.

Keywords: organic and toxic chemicals and environment

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