scope:

1. Participating nations agree to consider the policies and principles of AOP-4518 (A)(1) and applicable related documents listed in AOP-4518 (A)(1) when designing and modifying munitions. This agreement is applicable to new developments; existing stores subject to major modification, rework, change, or addition of any hazardous component; replenishment purchases, and existing stores being used in a new role. Participating nations agree to procure for military use by NATO Forces munitions which have been designed, or will be modified, to comply with AOP-4518 (A)(1).

2. The nation developing a munition shall consider the design and assessment principles detailed in AOP-4518 (A)(1). Specifically, the nation developing a munition agrees to incorporate acceptable end-of-mission (EOM), end-of-operational-life (EOOL), or end-of-life (EOL) disposal capabilities; to assess the design for its adherence to the guidance provided here; and to document the EOM/EOL disposal processes to be used on the munition.

3. This AOP-4518 (A)(1) provides guidance on the methodology for carrying out an assessment process for the safe and environmentally acceptable disposal of munitions; the design principles to be applied during munitions development, procurement, acquisition; the available demilitarization and disposal techniques; and, the preparation of a demilitarization and disposal plan.