In order to ensure the Executive Council’s effectiveness, the Convention requires that the membership is constituted with due regard to the principle of equitable geographical distribution, the importance of chemical industry, and political and security interests. Each Member State has the right, on a rotating basis, to serve on the Executive Council.

The Executive Council consists of 41 OPCW Member States that are elected by the Conference of the States Parties and rotate every two years. The Council supervises the activities of the Technical Secretariat and is responsible for promoting the effective implementation of and compliance with the Convention.