The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty bans all nuclear explosions. It comprises a preamble, 17 articles, two annexes and a Protocol with two annexes.
The preamble outlines the significance of the Treaty.
- Article I stipulates the basic obligations of the Treaty, and prohibits State parties from carrying out any nuclear explosion.
- Article II provides for the establishment of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization in Vienna to ensure the Treaty's implementation as well as providing a forum for consultation and cooperation.
- Article III focuses on national implementation measures.
- Article IV elaborates on the global verification regime to monitor compliance with Treaty provisions. The regime is to comprise a global network of monitoring stations (the International Monitoring System), an International Data Centre in Vienna, a consultation and clarification process, On-site Inspections, and confidence-building measures.
- Article V outlines measures to redress a situation which contravenes CTBT provisions and to ensure compliance with the Treaty.
- Article VI deals with the settlement of disputes that may arise concerning the application or the interpretation of the Treaty.
- Article VII is concerned with amendments to the Treaty.
- Article VIII stipulates when a review of the Treaty will take place after its entry into force.
- Article IX states that the Treaty is of unlimited duration.
- Article X deals with the status of the Protocol and the annexes.
- Article XI is concerned with signature of the Treaty.
- Article XII deals with ratification of the Treaty.
- Article XIII is about accession to the Treaty.
- Article XIV is about the Treaty's entry into force. This will take place 180 days after the 44 States listed in Annex 2 to the Treaty have all ratified.
- Article XV specifies that the Treaty shall not be subject to reservations.
- Article XVI refers to the Depositary of the Treaty.
- Article XVII deals with the authenticity of Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish Treaty texts.
- Annex 1 to the Treaty lists States by geographical regions for the purposes of elections to the Executive Council.
- Annex 2 to the Treaty lists the 44 States that must ratify the Treaty for it to enter into force.