The Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Cases Tracker Database is a unique, global, centralised resource designed to track legal, quasi-judicial, and administrative cases involving CBRN materials, equipment, and technology. By documenting these cases, the database highlights the importance of international CBRN instruments, their effective national implementation and enforcement in practice.
National implementation and enforcement of CBRN obligations are critical to preventing the misuse of these materials and technologies. This requires strong legislative, regulatory, investigative and prosecutorial measures. To better understand how States address CBRN-related incidents, VERTIC has developed the CBRN Cases Database. This publicly accessible, searchable resource contains case-specific information, including factual backgrounds, the materials involved, proceedings undertaken, relevant national measures, applicable international instruments, and the outcomes. It also provides analysis on enforcement challenges, lessons learned and implications for strengthening national implementation.
The database is designed to support governments, law enforcement, policymakers, legal practitioners, researchers, journalists, and assistance providers in advancing the rule of law in CBRN matters. By presenting real-world cases, it promotes awareness of enforcement pathways, fosters information exchange and builds trust, transparency and cooperation between stakeholders at national and international levels.
VERTIC compiles the database using publicly available sources and voluntary submissions from stakeholders, which are collected, verified and summarised following a standardised data collection template and a strict research protocol. The database is regularly updated to reflect new cases, developments in ongoing proceedings and evolving enforcement practices.
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and completeness, the database has no official status and reflects the research and analysis of the VERTIC National Implementation Measures (NIM) Programme. Feedback, corrections, and supplementary information from any stakeholders are welcome.
The CBRN Case Database project is generously supported by the Government of Norway.
The Verification Research, Training and Information Centre is an independent, non-profit making charitable organisation. Our mission is to support the development, implementation and verification of as well as compliance with international agreements and related regional and national initiatives, with a specific focus on international instruments regarding the non-proliferation and disarmament of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons and the security of related materials.
VERTIC provides this support through research and analysis, assistance and training, dissemination of information, and interaction with the governmental, diplomatic, technical, scientific and non-governmental communities.
We help governments and international organisations in their efforts to make regimes binding by offering ratification/accession support. VERTIC also assists governments in translating commitments undertaken in international law into national legislation. We conduct all our work in an objective and impartial manner.