1
The United Nations’ definition of small arms are those weapons manufactured to military
specifications and designed for use by one person. Light weapons, according to the UN
definition, are those utilized by several individuals working together as a crew. Ammunition and
explosives required for either small arms or light weapons are covered by the definition.
2
This report to Congress titled: “Proliferation in Small Arms: A Report Containing an
Assessment of Whether the Global Trade in Small Arms Poses any Proliferation Problems,”
provides important details of the information used herein. The report was submitted on October
2, 2000 by Barbara Larkin, then Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs, pursuant to
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Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Order Code RS20958
Updated October 2, 2006
International Small Arms and Light Weapons
Transfers: U.S. Policy
Richard F. Grimmett
Specialist in National Defense
Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division
Summary
This report provides general background on U.S. policy regarding the international
trade in small arms and light weapons (SA/LW). It outlines major questions associated
with the international trade in these items, and reviews United States efforts to assist in
controlling the illicit transfers of these items. This report will be revised as
developments warrant.
Background
In recent years attention has been focused by international organizations and non-
governmental organizations in various fora on the issue of international small arms and
light weapons transfers (SA/LW) to less-developed nations undergoing civil conflicts.
1
Views expressed by these groups have raised the interest of governments in examining
the implications of the international trade in such weapons, particularly, illicit trading.
International actions to deal with the small arms and light weapons trade generally have
developed slowly in view of widely divergent views among nations concerned or affected
by this trade, either as a recipient or supplier. Congressional interest in the subject
resulted in a mandate to the State Department to provide a comprehensive report
addressing significant policy questions regarding the international proliferation of small
arms and light weapons. This report, formally submitted to Congress in October 2000,
provided the first major overview of key views of the U.S. government on this topic.
2
The
