Europe tightens checks on small arms exports

The EU will soon have a more uniform approach to the export of small arms and light weapons (SALW) plus their ammunition, after the European Council established a set of common features for export end-user certificates.

As published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 18 January, the aim of the decision is to ‘diminish the risk of arms diversion to illicit or unintended users, create a level playing field and increase clarity for the defence industry and its clients regarding relevant requirements’.

Authorisation by an EU member state of permanent exports of SALW and their components, accessories and ammunition shall require a ‘thoroughly checked end-user certificate or appropriate documentation, signed by the end-user prior to that authorisation’, according to the text of the European Council decision on 15 January.

The latest development is a natural progression from a September 2019 review of European Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP on exports of military technology and equipment. This review resulted in an update to EU common rules and revised guidance to exporters.

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