MEPs back making firearms import, export more transparent to fight trafficking

Electronic licensing system will be set up for better traceability

Annual reports on import and export of civilian firearms for better transparency

EU countries will have to provide electronic data

Ensuring a safer internal market without impeding trade

On Tuesday, Parliament supported the update of rules aimed at enhancing the traceability of imported and exported civilian firearms.

MEPs voted 537 in favour, 40 against and 28 abstentions for under the updated and more harmonised rules, which will put all imports and a vast majority of export of firearms for civilian use under closer supervision, marking a crucial step in combatting illicit firearm possession and trafficking in the EU and globally. Currently, there are an estimated 35 million illicit firearms owned by civilians in the EU, corresponding to 56% of the estimated total of firearms, and around 630,000 firearms are listed as stolen or lost in the Schengen Information System, according to the Commission’s data.

The updated rules will establish an EU-wide electronic licensing system (ELS) for manufacturers and dealers, replacing predominantly paper-based national systems. Competent authorities will be required to check the central system, containing all refusals, before granting an import or export authorisation. The Commission is tasked with establishing the ELS within two years and member states will have four years to input all the required data and connect their national authorisation systems to the ELS. The Commission will compile an annual public report based on member states’ data regarding the import and export of firearms for civilian use, providing clearer insights into the firearms entering and exiting the EU market or the reasons for refusal.

Quote

Bernd Lange (S&D, DE), Chair of the Committee on International Trade and rapporteur of the file, said: “This is a milestone in the fight against illegal firearms. Stricter rules have long been overdue, and thanks to the European Parliament, they now carry real weight. Particularly concerning exports, the Parliament has ensured that all civilian firearms will fall under the new rules and has enhanced the control mechanisms. Urgently needed harmonised rules for firearm imports must not weaken export regulations. An electronic system for monitoring will be implemented, enhancing transparency regarding the end use firearms and strengthening traceability. An annual public report on import and export figures, granted licences, export prohibition, and post-shipment checks will be provided. Similar to the Dual-use regulation, these mechanisms are crucial for democratic scrutiny and transparency in the trade of sensitive goods, while also restricting misuse. It is our duty not only to make Europe safer place, but also to contribute to global security, also the rest of the world.”

Next steps

Council will now to give its final green light to the new rules. The regulation will enter into force after being published in the EU’s Official Journal.

Background

Following the terrorist attacks in Europe of the last decade, and in an effort to fight organised crime more effectively, the EU decided to revise its legislation on civilian firearms. In October 2022, the Commission presented a proposal for an update (recast) on the regulation on import, export and transit measures for firearms, their essential components and ammunition to reduce the risk of trafficking, ensure traceability and create easier exchange of information between national authorities. There is no link between the revision of this legislation and the export of firearms for military purposes to Ukraine.