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Brokering Control
 

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France
Source
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Date
 : 03/02/2009
National Report
 : 2008
 
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National laws, regulations and administrative procedures:


 

  
 
 


National Marking Practices:

There is no specific legal or regulatory provision for the marking of arms. However, in conformity with current practices, firearms of all categories are identified by the name of the manufacturer, an alphanumeric serial number and the calibre. Marking is an integral part of the manufacture of the arm. It is not envisaged, for technical reasons related to the reliability of the process, to carry out marking in other circumstances. Markings are stamped by the manufacturer on an integral part of the firearm rather than a part which may be place (according to the type of firearm, the breech box, frame, tube, barrel...). Markings are verified by the Saint-Etienne Proof House or by the equivalent body in any other state party to the CIP Convention.

Marking at the time of import:

Marking of SALW in the possession of government armed and security forces:

Marking of arms for the armed forces is specified in the manufacturing contract and controlled by the Délégation Générale pour l'Armement (DGA). Internal Ministry of Defence regulations provide for special registration and tracing procedures, which allow accurate identification of arms and permanent tracking of their location and holder.


Measures against the removal or alteration of markings:



  
 
 


Accurate and comprehensive records for all marked SALW within their territory:


  
 
 


Measures taken for undertaking traces and responding to tracing requests:

Operational Informaton Exchange:

Needs and Request for Assistance::

Implementation challenges and opportunities:
France has participated in the group of national experts under Council Directive No. 91/477/CEE of 18 June 1991 relating to the acquisition and possession of weapons. The work in progress, led by the Commission resulted in the revision of the Directive to include the provisions of the UN Firearms Protocol 2001, in particular those related to marking and registration of arms. France also drafted a best practice guide on the marking, record-keeping and traceability of small arms and light weapons for the OSCE. France actively participated in the promotion of the ICI in the context of awareness-raising seminars funded by the EU in 2007 and 2008 (Togo, Republic of Korea and Brazil).

 
 
 

 
 

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