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

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enable national authorities to identify the serial number and the
manufacturer, so that each weapon can be traced (Article II.7.); 32
• Each State furthermore ensures that it prevents the manufacture,
stockpiling, transfer and possession of firearms that do not bear
adequate marking (Article II.8.);
• States are encouraged to exchange information on their marking
systems (Article III.12.).
The Plastic Explosives Convention 33
• All newly manufactured explosives covered by this Convention must be
marked by each State, by means of detecting agents described in the
technical Annex (Articles 1 and 2). This marking aims to permit the
detection of the presence of explosives, and not their tracing;
• Explosives manufactured prior to the entry into force of the Convention
cannot be held, displaced and transferred unless under the strict and
effective control of the States—in order to prevent their being used for
purposes not in conformity with the objective of prevention of
terrorism (Articles 3 and 4.1.). Those explosives still existing 15 years
following the entry into force of the Convention must be destroyed,
consumed or marked (Article 4.3.);
• All stockpiles of explosives not belonging to police or security forces are
to be destroyed, consumed or marked within a three-year period
(Article 4.2.);
• In collaboration with the States parties and the relevant international
organizations, the Council will take the appropriate measures to
provide technical assistance and to exchange information relating to
marking and detection techniques of explosives (Article 9.).
International regulations on the transport of dangerous goods
• All packaging containing ammunition and explosives shall be marked in
a legible and durable manner. In the case of containers, the elements of
the contents must also be marked;
• These markings notably comprise the following data: a unique serial
number, the State issuing the certificate authorizing the transport, the
firm requesting the certificate, the year, and the weight of the
packaging;
• In accordance with the recommendations of the UN, controls must be
undertaken by a party outside the firm, notably concerning the