In-depth look at ISACS 05.31
Tracing illicit small arms and light weapons
United Nations framework
International Tracing
Instrument
 Marking
 Recordkeeping
 Cooperation in tracing
UN Firearms Protocol
UN Programme of Action
Module overview
Objective
Illicit SALW are traced from their
point of manufacture or most
recent import, through their
lines of supply, to their last legal
title-holder, in order to
①
determine the point, in
space and time, at which
they became illicit; and
②
take action to prevent
similar diversions in the
future
Steps to successful tracing
① Unique identification of the illicit
weapon
② Domestic tracing operation
③ International tracing operation
(if needed)
④ The tracing operation identifies
the point at which the weapon
became illicit
⑤ Action is taken to prevent similar
diversions from re-occurring
Weapons to be traced
Small arms and light weapons that
are…
 considered illicit under the law of
the State that recovered them
 suspected of having been
transferred in violation of Security
Council arms embargoes
 inadequately marked
 suspected of having been illegally
manufactured
 suspected of having been
transferred without necessary
authorizations
Exceptions
 Collection programmes
(when amnesty is used)
 If tracing would delay
destruction (and increase risk
of diversion)
 SALW manufactured before
1946
Identification of SALW
 Unique identification vital to
tracing success
 The frame / receiver is the
primary reference point
 Essential information
 Make
 Model
 Calibre
 Serial number
 Country of manufacture (or
most recent import)
Identification of SALW
Additional information
 Physical characteristics (type
of action, stock, materials,
etc.)
 Other markings (proof
marks, assembly & patent
numbers, etc.)
 Photographs
Domestic tracing operations
A National Point of Contact on tracing
illicit SALW shall be designated
A domestic tracing operation establishes
whether an illicit SALW
 Was legally manufactured in the




State;
Was legally imported into the State;
Otherwise entered national
jurisdiction (e.g. through recovery
from the illicit sphere);
Left national jurisdiction (e.g.
through export or alleged
destruction); or
Was identified as domestically
diverted (e.g. through theft or loss).
International tracing operations
An international trace request
should be directed to
 The country of most recent
import or, if not known,
 The country of manufacture
Content of an international
trace request
 Illicit nature of weapon
 Correct identification
 request for information
regarding the history of the
weapon
International tracing operations
Responding to an
international trace request
 Acknowledgement of receipt
(within 7 days)
 Verification of completeness
(request may be returned)
 Information to be provided
 Timeframes
•
Responses within 8 weeks
•
Permitted delays &
restrictions
Cooperation & Assistance
INTERPOL resources
 Illicit Arms Records and Tracing
Management System (iARMS)
 Firearms Reference Table
 Online firearms identification
training
 Ballistics Information Network
 Orange Notices