Publication

Comprehensive and stringently enforced licensing systems controlling manufacture, transfer and end-use of small arms and light weapons are a crucial element in combating the illicit SALW trade. Licensed production overseas is the practice where one company allows and enables a second company in another country to manufacture its products under license. Licensed production – and the concomitant transfer of arms production technology and expertise - is a major factor behind the steady increase in the number of companies and countries which manufacture SALW. At present it is inadequately controlled in many countries.