Marking

Article 8 of the Protocol obliges States to require marking of firearms at the time of manufacture, import and transfer from government to civilian stocks. Such markings assist in the identification and tracing of firearms. The Protocol also requires States to encourage manufacturers to develop measures against the removal or alteration of markings. Annex I (Additional considerations) provides further suggested text that drafters can consider for inclusion in their national legislation, including non-mandatory provisions on the marking of parts and components and ammunition and regulatory provisions on the method of marking.

Related Subject(s): International Law and Justice