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

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All of this data, while useful from a technical point of view, is too vague
to offer sufficient details for a proper trace. It nevertheless represents a good
alternative in the context of a PGT.
To further illustrate our point, the batch number that may appear only
on the boxes containing cartridges is of no use once the ammunition has
been removed from its original packaging. Since ammunition is a dangerous
good, 12 it is in theory possible for it to be monitored during transportation
by means of a coding system common to the different States and located on
the box of ammunition.
In order to address these different shortcomings in arms marking, the
technical solutions being considered for the firearms themselves can also be
applied to ammunition. The solutions proposed are reasonably applicable
in the context of a PGT; applying all the solutions proposed hereafter would
be tantamount to conducting a PT.
Let us first look at the options available for marking the powder and the
primer. A solution could be envisaged for marking and tracing explosives
(RS 941.411—Ordonnance sur les substances explosibles (Regulation on
explosive substances), articles 18, 19, 20 and 23). The various markers used
for this purpose (HF-6 ® , Microtaggants ® and Explotracer ® ) could constitute
an excellent basis for marking the powder and primer of firearms
ammunition. Tests must be conducted to determine whether this marking
of ammunition is feasible; a similar approach would then have to be applied
to all the other types of ammunition that fall into the SALW category, such
as that used in missiles.
In parallel, marking the body and/or the cap of the case with a laser
engraving would allow for all the information pertinent to the tracing of the
ammunition to be codified (the contents of this information would still have
to be formalized). This marking could take the form of a bar code, matrix
coding or simply an alphanumeric code. The reactions that occur during the
firing process (dilation of the casing, residue or grease deposits, marks made
by the weapon, and so on) must not alter the marking and thus risk
hindering the capacity to trace the ammunition.
Marking the base of the projectile (for fully jacketed projectiles—TMJ)
could also be a viable alternative. In this case, marking would have to take
place during the manufacturing process, prior to the final assembly of the