Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Amunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime

General Information

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What is it about?

The purpose of this instrument, which completes the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (New York, 15 November 2000), is to facilitate and strenghten international cooperation in order to prevent, to combat and to eradicate the manufacturing and trafficking of illegal firearms, their parts or components and ammunition. It consists of two chapters. To prevent illegal manufacturing and trafficking in firearms, Member States are held to set up a marking system for firearms and to keep information necessary for their traceability on file for at least ten years. Member States also have to establish a licensing or authorization system for import and export. To suppress illegal manufacturing and trafficking in firearms, Member States have the obligation to adopt legislation penalising illicit manufacturing, trafficking and manipulation of identification marks on firearms as well as allowing confiscation and seizure of firearms object to illegal manufacturing or trafficking. The 2001 Protocol establishes a general cooperation obligation between Member States, especially in the fields of education and technical assistance.

Why is it relevant?

This text does not prohibit manufacturing and legal trade in firearms. It ensures State control on trade and exchange of such objects.

Additional Information

Only Member States to the United Nations Convention against Transnational organised Crime (New York, 15 November 2000) may ratify the present Protocol.

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