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

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• increasing the resistance of marks to attempts at sanitization, for
example through the use of multiple marks or covert secondary
marking techniques;
• developing requirements to uniquely mark key parts and components;
• developing requirements to uniquely mark other types of weapons
within the category of SALW beyond small arms and firearms, including
light weapons such as missiles and launchers;
• requiring marking for ammunition and explosives (as is at least
encouraged in the OAS Convention).
These are all areas where it is possible to identify and encourage good
practice. To cite just one example, the use of chemical marking agents in
plastic explosives, described earlier, could be explored for purposes of
marking ammunition and explosives generally. 24
1.4 RECORD-KEEPING
1.4.1 Introduction
Ensuring adequate, unique, marking of SALW is of little value unless
measures are also taken to ensure that adequate and accessible records are
systematically maintained for each marked weapon, that record such key
elements of its history as production, distribution, resale and transfer.
Weapons traces are largely conducted by referring to such records and
associated databases. 25
1.4.2 Existing Record-Keeping Practices
Record-keeping systems for SALW vary enormously across the world,
depending on national traditions, laws and government structures. In most
countries, records are quite decentralized. Databases concerning military
weapons destined for export or held by the armed forces are generally
maintained separately from those relating to civilians. Much of the data
needed to identify manufactured arms, components or ammunition is held
by manufacturers, while commercial dealers hold information on
distribution and resale. Data relating to the international transfer of SALW
will mostly be held by customs or border control authorities, national arms
transfer licensing authorities, and by the various exporters and importers
involved.