1540 Matrices
Since its adoption in early 2005, the 1540 Matrix has functioned as the primary method used by the 1540 Committee to organize information about implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1540 by Member States. A matrix for each Member State has been prepared by the group of experts and subsequently approved by the Committee. The information in the matrices originates primarily from national reports provided by States to the 1540 Committee and is complemented by official government information, including that made available to intergovernmental organizations.
The 1540 Committee uses the matrices as a reference tool for facilitating technical assistance and to enable the Committee to continue to enhance its dialogue with States on their implementation of Security Council resolution 1540 (2004). The matrices are not a tool for measuring compliance by States with their non-proliferation obligations but for facilitating the implementation of Security Council resolutions 1540 (2004), 1673 (2006), 1810 (2008), 1977 (2011), 2325 (2016) and 2663 (2022).
The matrices do not reflect or prejudice any ongoing discussions outside the Committee, in the Security Council or any of its organs, of a State's compliance with its non-proliferation or any other obligations. Information on voluntary commitments is for reporting purposes only and does not constitute in any way a legal obligation arising from resolution 1540 (2004) or its successive resolutions.
The matrix has been organised into fields representing elements of the requirements of the resolution. Measures that States have taken in respect of these requirements are recorded by the Committee in each of these fields. The 1540 Committee periodically reviews and updates the contents of the matrices, which are then shared with Member States for comment and any additional information. Once agreement is reached with the State on the contents of the updated matrix, the Committee approves the matrix for publication on its website, with the State’s consent.
In certain matrix fields, the 1540 Committee denotes one of four possible responses:
An “X” in a field signifies only that the 1540 Committee considers that a State has taken steps required, and/or has provided specific references to the applicable legal basis or executive behaviour as evidence of such measures. An “X” against any data field does not necessarily signify that a State has met in full its 1540 obligations for that data field.
A “?” in any data field signifies that the references to legislative or other measures may not be directly relevant or are incomplete.
A “NA” (Not Applicable) in any data field signifies that the data field is not applicable to that State where through legally binding instruments States specified that they do not possess related materials or facilities.
A blank in any data field signifies that there is insufficient information available to enter an “X” or a “?” against that particular data field.
In interpreting the 1540 Matrix, an “X” does not indicate that the measure or measures taken fully implement an obligation under resolution 1540 (2004). It only indicates that the 1540 Committee and its experts have found evidence that the State has taken a measure or measures relevant to a particular field.
Revision of the Matrix Template
The Committee matrix template has been subject to periodic revisions since its introduction in 2005. Revised templates were approved by the Committee in 2013 and 2017, which sought to reduce the number of fields and provide a more accurate and succinct overview of relevant measures taken by States to implement resolution 1540 (2004), with due regard to the specific circumstances of individual States.
Current 1540 Matrix TemplateList of Matrices of Member States, as Approved by the 1540 Committee