Ammunition

Weapons are only lethal when supplied with ammunition. The procurement of the correct type of ammunition for the available stockpiles of weapons is therefore a core concern for states, non-state armed groups, and individuals. While weapons are durable goods, which can be used for many years, ammunition is quickly depleted, and stocks must be replenished. As a consequence, intensive weapons use, such as in contexts of conflict or criminality, requires the maintenance of regular supply lines of ammunition. The oversight or disruption of such supply lines potentially represents an opportunity for controlling arms proliferation and limiting weapons misuse.

Products

Ammunition covers a wide range of calibers to fit the corresponding weapons and different technical characteristics to serve specific purposes (training, hunting, law enforcement, military use, etc.)

Production facilities are widespread around the globe, although technologically elaborate products, such as guided missiles, are produced in a more restricted number of countries.

Transfers

Globally, small arms ammunition exports represent about a third of the overall value of authorized transfers of small arms and light weapons. Ammunition reaches criminal settings and embargoed countries through trafficking, which often builds on legal loopholes of authorized transfers processes.

Measures

Ammunition has little benefited from the regulation efforts undertaken in the past years on small arms and light weapons. Regarding marking and tracing, it still relies on an incomplete system of stamping as well as ad hoc national regulations.

Because it incorporates explosives, ammunition also poses specific challenges in terms of stockpiles management and destruction. Although best practice guides exist to establish safe standard procedures, improper ammunition storage still often causes explosive events that result in civilian casualties.