Context:
India has intercepted a consignment of Ortho-Chloro Benzylidene Malononitrile (CS), an internationally banned chemical, found on a Chinese vessel bound for Pakistan at Kattupalli Port in Tamil Nadu.
More on the News:
- The Shipment: The Chinese firm shipped the consignment to a defense supplier in Pakistan via a Chinese vessel sailing under the Cyprus flag, which was intercepted by customs authorities during routine checks.
- Reason for Seizure: The consignment was detained as the chemical name figured under India’s export control list ‘SCOMET’ as a controlled substance.
- Legal Basis: The consignment was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and the Weapons of Mass Destruction and Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005.
- Security Concerns: Officials have expressed concerns that such chemicals could be used against civilian populations in India, given the defense collaboration between China and Pakistan.
What is Ortho-Chloro Benzylidene Malononitrile (CS)?
- It is a chemical listed under the Wassenaar Arrangement.
- It is used in the production of tear gas and other riot-control agents.
- India is a signatory to this arrangement, while China and Pakistan are not.
About the ‘SCOMET’
- SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies) is India’s National Export Control List of dual-use munitions and nuclear-related items, including software and technology maintained under Foreign Trade Policy.
- Dual-use items possess capabilities for both civil and military applications, potentially including deployment as weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).
- It is aligned to the control lists of all the multilateral export control regimes and conventions including the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) etc.
Multilateral Export Control Regimes
MECRs are international agreements that aim to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and related technologies.
- Australia Group (1985): Equipment, materials, technology, and software that could contribute to chemical and biological weapons activities.
- Missile Technology Control Regime (1987): Unmanned aerial vehicles capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction
- Nuclear Suppliers Group (1974): Nuclear and nuclear-related materials, software, and technology.
- Wassenaar Arrangement (1996): Conventional arms and dual-use items and technologies.
India is the member of all the group except NSG.