92002E2693

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2693/02

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(26 September 2002)

Subject: Uniform registration system for weapons

A good number of arms manufacturers have a system for identifying and registering the weapons they produce. Usually serial numbers are put on one or more of the weapon's components. Exchange of information among the EU countries as to the method used is somewhat patchy. In addition, the markings used at present can sometimes be removed very easily. Each of these factors adds weight to the call for a simple, efficient and universally applicable method. The markings can be kept in a national register so that the route taken by arms found in a conflict zone can subsequently be traced.

Will the Commission take steps to draw up appropriate legislation on uniform registration of weapons within the EU? If not, why not?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(22 October 2002)

Suitable and generalised marking and registration of firearms are essential elements in tracing them, and the Commission is fully aware of this need.

Article 4 of Council Directive 91/477/EEC of 18 June 1991 on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons(1) and of their transfer to another Member State already requires a dealer to keep a register containing information concerning all the main categories of firearms received or disposed of by him, including such particulars as enable any weapon to be identified, in particular the type, make, model, calibre and serial number thereof and the names and addresses of the supplier and the person acquiring the weapon.

This Directive will shortly need to be revised, following the signing by the Commission on behalf of the Community and by the Member States of the UN protocol on the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms. This protocol contains specific provisions concerning the marking of firearms, and the Commission is currently studying their transposition.

It should be noted that one of the provisions of the protocol is that the signatory states will have to encourage their weapons industries to develop measures designed to prevent the alteration or removal of markings. In response to the honourable Member's concern, it should also be pointed out that the protocol increases to ten years, compared with five years in the Directive, the minimum time during which information on firearms should be kept.

(1) OJ L 256, 13.9.1991.