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

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legibility <strong>and</strong> durability <strong>of</strong> the marking <strong>and</strong> its content, at least once a<br />

year. <strong>The</strong> manufacturers may choose the verifying body, <strong>and</strong> in the EU,<br />

there is at least one organization in each country. In addition,<br />

manufacturers must systematically carry out internal controls.<br />

<strong>The</strong> OAS Convention<br />

• Newly manufactured firearms must be marked with the name <strong>of</strong> the<br />

manufacturer, the place <strong>of</strong> manufacture <strong>and</strong> the serial number (Article<br />

VI.1.a);<br />

• Imported firearms must be marked to permit the identification <strong>of</strong> the<br />

name <strong>and</strong> address <strong>of</strong> the importer (Article VI.1.b.);<br />

• Firearms that have been confiscated <strong>and</strong> retained <strong>for</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial use must<br />

be marked appropriately (Article VI.1.c);<br />

• Explosives <strong>and</strong> rocket launchers should, if possible, must be marked at<br />

time <strong>of</strong> manufacture (Article VI.2.).<br />

<strong>The</strong> SADC Protocol<br />

• States parties undertake to establish common systems to ensure that all<br />

firearms are marked with a unique number, at the time <strong>of</strong> manufacture<br />

or import, on the barrel, frame, <strong>and</strong>, where applicable, the slide (Article<br />

9.1.);<br />

• This marking shall identify the country <strong>of</strong> manufacture, the serial<br />

number <strong>and</strong> the manufacturer <strong>of</strong> the firearm (Article 9.2.).<br />

<strong>The</strong> OSCE Document<br />

• It is incumbent on each participating State to determine the exact<br />

nature <strong>of</strong> the marking system <strong>for</strong> small arms manufactured or in use on<br />

its territory (Article II.2.B.1.). However, the States simultaneously<br />

endeavour to develop st<strong>and</strong>ards, principles <strong>and</strong> measures concerning<br />

appropriate marking (as well as durable <strong>and</strong> precise registration) in<br />

international <strong>for</strong>a (Article I.2.);<br />

• <strong>The</strong> participating States agree to ensure that all small arms<br />

manufactured on their territory after 30 June 2001 are marked so as to<br />

enable individual small arms to be traced. <strong>The</strong> marking should contain<br />

in<strong>for</strong>mation that allows the investigating authorities to determine at<br />

least the year <strong>and</strong> country <strong>of</strong> manufacture, the manufacturer <strong>and</strong> the

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