tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56896195604569732332024-03-08T08:19:08.724-08:00tracing and tracking small arms ammoAmmoTrakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773357666083926175noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689619560456973233.post-91190496432459952972010-09-17T14:31:00.000-07:002010-09-17T14:31:07.192-07:0019 sept,outline-template for tracing-tracking small arms ammo....<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Tracking Small Arms Ammunition</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">International shipments of Small arms ammunition can be easily traced and tracked, ending or greatly reducing the illegal trade that is rampant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By implementing procedures that are already worldwide standards in most industries, rogue operators and smugglers could be quickly put out of business.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The first step is for Governments to have the will to end the current state of affairs regarding the illegal circulation of small arms ammunition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This paper will describe steps needed to be put into place for a global process that can track, and is able to trace all small arms ammunition movements, from the manufacturer, through the various agents, middlemen, shippers, customs agents, and transshipment ports all the way to the soldier or rebel that inserts a round into a weapon and fires it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Many reports have been prepared dealing with the illegal trade of Small arms and ammunition, and the need to control or curtail it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These reports outline the problems and consequences, statistics, costs related to rebel activities, estimated deaths that result each year and many other important points, without offering effective solutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This paper outlines steps that need to be implemented within the commercial sectors involved, but mainly within the shipping industry, that will trace and track each shipment, making it next to impossible for smuggling or diverting to continue.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">None of the steps needed to be implemented are new to Industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Food, drugs, aircraft spare parts, soft drinks, chemicals and many other items already have tracing and tracking mechanisms in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Industries that are considered “special” have been forced to adapt to very strict and tight controls, from the manufacturing cycle, thru the logistics cycle all the way to delivery to the end user.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If governments would consider the small arms ammunition industry as sensitive to humans and global security as is the aircraft spare parts industry, then effective steps to prevent smuggling would have been put into effect long ago.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has shut down companies that deal with aircraft spare parts that are not from OEM sources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are able to locate warehouses that deal with non original parts through simple yet effective tracing and tracking measures in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These measures involve players at each step of the Supply Chain, from the manufacturer through various agents to the delivery at the final location.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mercedes Benz, in the year 2000 stopped sending temporarily to <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Albania</place></country-region> and Kosovo automobile spare parts, unless the VIN (Vehicle Identification Numbers) of the auto to be repaired was provided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to the large number of stolen Mercedes that were smuggled out of <place w:st="on">Europe</place> and into these Balkan countries, the manufacturer was attempting to find a scheme to locate stolen vehicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was successful in many cases.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Just after the <date day="11" month="9" w:st="on" year="2001">September 11, 2001</date> attack on the <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">World</placename> <placename w:st="on">Trade</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Center</placetype></place>, the financial industry was forced to make major changes in its modus operandi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Financial institutions that offered any type of money transfer services were forced to register themselves as such, and obtain information about their clients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Failing to do so resulted in not being able to work with other industry partners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Limits to amounts being transferred were also introduced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overnight, a “money tracking” scheme was introduced globally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Financial operators that worked outside this system were labeled as “illegal” and unable to partner with the others.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In the year 2007, a containerized shipment of ammunition destined for the Chinese contingent working under the UN flag in <place w:st="on">Darfur</place> was intercepted after leaving <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Port Sudan</place></city> while in transit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shipment has not been recovered, but many rebel groups in the region may be using the stolen cartridges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If some simple tracing and tracking mechanisms were already in place, it would be easy to verify which rebel group, or military group is in possession of the shipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing which group is currently using this ammunition would also show links between various players.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Lords Resistance Army (LRA) has been living in the bush, between <place w:st="on">South Sudan</place>, the DR <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Congo</place></country-region> and <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Central African Republic</place></country-region> for more than 20 years, and is still heavily armed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is only speculation on how the LRA is re-supplying itself with weapons and ammo, but if effective tracing and tracking measures were to be put in place, it would be easy to “name and shame” who the supplier(s) is, as well as the entire supply chain.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The United Nations in the DR Congo was asked to help relocate several government military ammo depots, to more secure locations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The government was worried about these items falling into rebel hands, either through insider trading, or through attacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This request points out the need for ammunition tracing and tracking procedures, even to assist with ammo depot management.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without these procedures, the Government of DR Congo will never know if the rebels they are fighting are shooting with the same bullets that belong to its regular army.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The DR Congo has been under an arms embargo for several years, yet dozens of armed rebel groups operate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where do these arms and ammunition continue to come from?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The United Nations Mission in DR Congo (MONUC) has the world’s largest military Peace Keeping army, and these armies routinely receive fresh ammo shipments from their home country, which are exempt from the arms embargo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been several cases of alleged selling/trading of arms and ammo by these Peace Keepers to various Rebel groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there were tracing and tracking mechanisms in place, the United Nations would be in a better position to prove as false these allegations.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In mid December 2009, a cargo aircraft was inspected after landing in Bangkok, and 35 tons of weapons and ammo were found on board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If tracing and tracking mechanisms were in place,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the supplier, end user and middle-men agents, including any complacent<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Customs Agents, Freight Forwarders and Carriers could have been identified and punished/sanctioned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The list of Industry examples that use some type of tracking on its supply chain is endless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The list of examples of mis-directed ammunition shipments is also endless, but these losses could be ended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider the 7 points below:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 39pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The production of small arms ammunition must be globally declared as a “Special Item”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Manufacturers must be identified, registered and their production monitored.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 39pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Small arms ammunition, better known as cartridges, need to have markings that indicate a production lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The manufacturer must participate, or risk sanctions.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 39pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Shipping documents including invoices need to show the <place w:st="on">Lot</place> numbers and have a special indication that Ammunitions are being shipped.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 39pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Shipping documents must clearly indicate origin, transit points and final destination as well as the final end user.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At each step of the shipping process, the next and previous point must be informed/notified.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 39pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Customs and Clearing agents that process these documents need to be held responsible for their actions, and have a name, rather than generic title indicated on the documents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Failure to comply would result in sanctions.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 39pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">All of the Freight Forwarders and Transportation Carriers involved in the Logistics Chain must be responsible for reporting Ammunitions that they carry. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Failure to do so would result in sanctions.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 39pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A data-base to record International ammunitions shipment could easily be established and maintained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entire world is connected via the Internet, and every Clearing Agent, Freight Forwarder and manufacturer on the globe has access, even if limited access to the internet.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Most products that are sold have some type of lot number that indicates the manufacturer, the date of production and other basic information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All cartridges and their packaging should have markings as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Currently, most officially recognized ammunitions manufactures already put a marking on the bottom ring of each cartridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, the markings are not standardized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a need for a standardization system that identifies, as a minimum, the country of origin, the manufacturer, the date of production, and a consecutive <place w:st="on">Lot</place> number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some manufacturers use recycled cartridges with the markings from other manufacturers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This practice should be banned.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Commercial and Shipping documents must include this standardized <place w:st="on">Lot</place> number, which is key to any type of tracing and tracking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Currently, Airway bills, ocean Bills-of-Lading and road transport documents throughout the world are not required to have specific information that identifies ammunitions, which allows for loop holes and vague documentation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many international shipping documents and commercial invoices make mention of “see attached”, or “as agreed” or other ambiguous phrases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important for all documentation to be clear and precise, stating exactly what type of ammunition is being sent, the <place w:st="on">Lot</place> number, the quantity being sent, the Shipper, Consignee and End User, all listed on one document. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Shipping documents must also indicate the Manufacturer, the port/airport of origin, transit points, transshipment points and the “final destination”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often times, sensitive shipments either disappear or are rerouted at transit points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If all transit and transshipment points are indicated in advance on the original shipping documents, and Customs Officials and Customs/Clearing Agents held responsible for untransparent actions, fewer sensitive shipments could be diverted. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There must also be communication between these points of origin, transit and final destination, to inform all concerning the arrivals and departures.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Many Freight Forwarding companies throughout the world are registered with industry associations, lending a sense of reliability and accountability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, not all Forwarding agents are registered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Similar to the financial institutions that were required to register their money transferring activities and clients (just after <date day="11" month="9" w:st="on" year="2001">Sept 11, 2001</date>), all Freight Forwarding companies should also be identified and registered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Freight Forwarders are the main player that deal with all the cargo that circulates the globe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As such, it is this group of operators have the greatest impact and most important role in making any tracing and tracking system work. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Nothing in the world, whether licit or illicit, moves across borders without the involvement of a Freight Forwarding company or its Agent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Shipping companies around the world also have trade associations and industry standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IATA is the standard bearer for air carriers, and when an air carrier does not maintain the established standards, the world is informed by IATA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Air Carriers that do not comply with these recommended conditions and standards should be prohibited from carrying sensitive cargo and reported to Industry Associations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same condition should hold true for Ocean transportation carriers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Road transportation is more complicated due to a lack of any world wide governing association.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, regional governments like the East African Community, Gulf Cooperating Countries, ECOWAS, and EU can create and enforce Regional road transportation regulations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If the various carrier organizations and associations would band together to enforce, or be forced to enforce the recommended standards dealing with ammunitions shipments, and identify those carriers that do not accept the recommended standards, illegal shipments would be limited to an identifiable group of carriers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same principle holds true for other players in the Logistics Chain, like Freight Forwarders, Manufacturers and Clearing Agents.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If the above recommendations were in vigor, how could a rogue supplier and his accomplices then be identified?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through “reverse logistics”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For example, a village in DR Congo is attacked by an unknown group, and shots are fired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first step is to recover empty spent cartridge casings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To recover empty cartridges in the middle of the bush is not as difficult as it may seem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The DR Congo, as well as many other countries in conflict, have many UN Peace Keeping soldiers or other humanitarian operators that respond to incursions to provide aid or support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From these empty cartridges, the manufacturer and <place w:st="on">Lot</place> number can be identified, providing all the relevant info needed to trace the shipment back through the reverse supply chain, from the declared end user and final delivery location thru the various ports all the way to the point of origin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, whether the final declared destination was <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Uganda</place></country-region> or <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Rwanda</place></country-region> would already narrow the search for the source of who supplied these “rebels”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How was the shipment delivered inland from the sea or air port?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By identifying the Clearing and Forwarding Agents, and in-land transporters, much can be learned.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if the shipment was done before the recommended standards went into effect, the cartridge casings would at least indicate, more than likely, the country of origin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within the DR Congo and other countries that have Peace Keeping troops, to have a record of their ammunition supplies means also being able to prove non-involvement.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Currently, the various Peace Keeping contingents do not have records about their ammunition supplies, and therefore are not able to show non-involvement, despite allegations.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">RESPONSABILITIES OF EACH PLAYER IN THE LOGISTICS CHAIN:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">1. MANUFACTURER:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To ensure that the all cartridges produced have the designated markings and that all packaging includes the <place w:st="on">Lot</place> number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every shipment that exits the premises is to be recorded and registered.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">2. CLEARING AGENT/FREIGHT FORWARDER:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To make sure that all shipment documents related to any ammunition shipment includes the data indicated above on the <street w:st="on"><address w:st="on">Air Way</address></street> bill, the ocean Bill-of-Lading or whichever type of transportation document is used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Forwarding agent should ensure that any ammunition shipment is added to the established database used to track small arms ammunition shipments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The carriers’ agent in each port/airport should update the database to indicate the current location and the next port/airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the shipment is delivered to the Final Destination, the database must be updated to indicate its delivery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shipments that do not get updated after leaving the manufacturer should be considered as rogue.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">3. CUSTOMS AGENTS:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To make sure that all ammunition shipment documents conform to the items being shipped, as well as the packaging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the Custom agent logs the entry, the office must inform the next Customs office, based on the transit plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The transit and final Customs offices must confirm to the previously visited Customs station, that the shipment arrived in tact or with discrepancies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This system follows the same principles of Customs tracking already in vigor around the world.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THE CARRIER:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The carrier must log the presence of all ammunition shipments in the Captains or Pilots log.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should be the responsibility of the Captain or Pilot in Command to make sure that local authorities are immediately informed upon arrival, of the presence of ammunition on board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">5. END USER:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To update the data base and to close the circuit.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In summary, the illegal trade and movement across borders of small arms ammunition can be stopped, but requires the input from International Organizations and Governments to impose small changes to some industry regulations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And these stakeholders must have the will to do this.</span></div>AmmoTrakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773357666083926175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689619560456973233.post-35230363690563737702010-09-17T14:27:00.000-07:002010-09-17T14:27:09.856-07:0019 sept Intro tracing small small arms ammo in the DRCsmall arms ammo move around the world so easily and in such an uncontrolled manner that when conflicts continue as in the drc and other parts of africa no-one should be suprised...... i have prepared a simple DRpaper, based on my years of logistics and shipping experience, and offer real solutions that governments could implement,,, if they have the will to that could have a major impact on illegal arms-ammo shippments.<br />
<br />
the world-wide situation regarding ammo movements is a sham and disgrace. ... <br />
<br />
i work for the UN peacekeeping mission in the DR Congo now for 5 years and can testify that the situation there is tottally out of controll. there are so many rebel groups that do what they want withot any tworries....<br />
<br />
the national army as been accused of trading and selling arms and ammo with the various rebels and <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
exploiting natural resources, which in turn creates more conflict.<br />
<br />
even the _UN peace keeping troops have been accused many times of trading and selling their arms and ammo with these rebel groups.... but investigations have been started then quickly suspended to avoid embarrassment.<br />
To disprove any UN troop involvement, these peacekeeping troops would only have to register the serial numbers of the weapons and identify the markings on the ammo....(most small arms ammo, slso known as cartridges or bullets) have alfa-numeric markings that indicate at least the country of origin, if no even the manufacturer). <br />
to disprove any UN involvement would be such an easy operation i just cant understand why there are no SOP,s (standard operating procedures) for proper accounting and reporting the typr and amount of weapons and ammo that these peacekeeping troops bring into confflict areas, like the DRC, darfur etc-<br />
<br />
It really is an ambigous situation that should be adressed ASAP befote the UN all its credability !!!!!AmmoTrakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773357666083926175noreply@blogger.com0