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

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codes have been sanitized. Although these tend not to be individually
unique, in combination they can allow the history and likely source of the
weapon to be traced. 20
Weapons components and spare parts may or may not be marked. In
many countries, components that are prone to wear and may be regularly
replaced are not uniquely marked. Lack of such marks can help reduce
confusion, as attention remains focused on the markings contained on the
permanent components. However, it also means that a high degree of
specialist knowledge is generally required to identify component parts
when they are separated from the complete weapon.
1.3.4 Emerging International Norms and Good Practices
The establishment of international norms and minimum standards for
the marking of firearms and SALW has been a prime concern in recent
years, with most effort channelled into the adoption, in 2001, of both the
UN Firearms Protocol and the UN Programme of Action. Several important
regional agreements, with substantial provision for marking, have recently
been agreed and will also be described here. 21
The UN Firearms Protocol
Article 8 of the UN Firearms Protocol states that States parties shall:
• At the time of manufacture of each firearm, either require unique
marking providing the name of the manufacturer, the country or place
of manufacture, and the serial number, or maintain any alternative
unique user-friendly marking with simple geometric symbols in
combination with a numeric and/or alphanumeric code, permitting
ready identification by all States of the country of manufacture
(Article 8, paragraph 1 a);
• Require appropriate simple marking on each imported firearm,
permitting identification of the country of import and, where possible,
the year of import and enabling the competent authorities of that
country to trace the firearm, and a unique marking, if the firearms does
not bear such a marking (Article 8, paragraph 1 b);