The Scope and Implications of a Tracing Mechanism for Small Arms ...

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and lines of supply of illicit SALW are therefore no panacea, but can be just
one element of the comprehensive set of programmes and measures
needed for effective international action. Nevertheless, based on the
information presented in this overview paper (and the broader study on
which it draws) it is clear that systems to ensure the traceability of sources
and lines of supply of illicit SALW are not only feasible but also have an
essential contribution to make in the overall effort to tackle this global
problem.
1.2 FRAMING THE ISSUES
1.2.1 Small Arms and Light Weapons:
Defining the Weapons of Concern
This study is concerned with tracing mechanisms for small arms and
light weapons. Broadly speaking, small arms are those weapons designed
for personal use, while light weapons are those intended for use by several
persons acting as a crew.
There is as yet no agreed international definition of SALW. Most widely
used is that proposed by the UN Panel of Governmental Experts on Small
Arms in its 1997 report. 4 According to the Panel, the category of small arms
includes revolvers and self-loading pistols, rifles and carbines, sub-machine
guns, assault rifles and light machine guns. Light weapons include heavy
machine guns, hand-held under-barrel and mounted grenade launchers,
portable anti-aircraft guns, portable anti-tank guns, recoilless rifles, portable
launchers of anti-tank missile and rocket systems, portable launchers of
anti-aircraft missile systems, and mortars of calibres of less than 100mm.
There is thus a large overlap between the category of SALW and that of a
“firearm”, widely defined as any portable barrelled weapon that expels a
shot, bullet or projectile by the action of an explosive.
Although most governments and analysts now use this relatively broad
UN description of SALW, there are continuing disagreements over details.
For example, numerous governments are reluctant to consider ammunition
and explosives as part of SALW, though UN expert groups, beginning with
the 1997 Panel, have consistently included them.