The Preparatory Commission for the CTBT Organization (CTBTO) utilizes a unique and comprehensive verification regime consisting of an International Monitoring System (IMS) (applying seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound, radionuclide technologies), with stations worldwide, to ensure that no nuclear explosion goes undetected. As a result, the CTBT makes it difficult for countries to either develop nuclear bombs for the first time, or to manufacture more powerful bombs. It also prevents the huge damage caused by radioactivity from nuclear explosions to humans, animals, and plants. On-site inspections can also be dispatched to the area of a suspected nuclear explosion, as indicated by the IMS.

The Preparatory Commission is now working to persuade the remaining 44 specific nuclear technology holder countries to both sign and ratify, as the CTBT has yet to come into force.