As part of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), a database was recently published that provides useful information on biosafety and biosecurity regulations, including implementation measures, for each country.

Database
National implementation of the BTWC and its associated legislation is essential for ensuring the treaty's enforcement. To gain better insight into how various countries implement the BTWC, the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) and the Verification, Research, Training, and Information Centre (VERTIC) have developed the BWC National Implementation Measures Database. For the creation of this database, UNIDIR and VERTIC utilized official, publicly accessible sources. The database is available in the six UN languages, and the information is regularly updated. For the Netherlands, the database offers extensive information on international regulations and various resources, including legislation on biosafety and materials from the Biosecurity Office.

About the BTWC
The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) is a treaty that prohibits the development, production, and stockpiling of biological and toxin weapons. It also governs the destruction of these weapons. The BTWC was concluded in 1972 between the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Soviet Union, entering into force in 1975. The Netherlands signed the BTWC on April 10, 1972. The treaty was incorporated into Dutch legislation on March 25, 1981, through the Implementation Act for the Biological Weapons Convention. Under this law, the BTWC treaty was adopted, making it illegal for anyone in the Netherlands to develop, produce, stockpile, or acquire biological agents in any way (see also International Treaties, Guidelines, and Programs).