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Ecuador — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms

The estimated total number of guns held by civilians in Ecuador is 370,0001 2

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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

The rate of private gun ownership in Ecuador is 1.33 firearms per 100 people

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Ecuador ranked at No. 962

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Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 179 countries, Ecuador ranked at No. 1423

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Number of Licensed Firearm Owners

The number of licensed gun owners in Ecuador is reported to be 117,0004

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Number of Registered Firearms

The number of registered guns in Ecuador is reported to be 117,0002

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Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 Population

The rate of registered firearms per 100 people in Ecuador is 0.865

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Number of Privately Owned Shotguns

In Ecuador, the number of shotguns in civilian possession is reported to be 100,0006

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Number of Privately Owned Handguns

There are reportedly 100,0006 handguns in civilian possession in Ecuador

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Estimated Number of Illicit Firearms

Unlawfully held guns cannot be counted, but in Ecuador there are estimated to be 250,0001

Government Guns

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Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of Ecuador are reported to have 134,0001 firearms

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Ecuador are reported to have 12,0001 firearms

ImpactsGun Death and Injury

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Number of Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Ecuador, annual homicides by any means total

2010: 2,6387
2009: 2,625
2008: 2,607
2007: 2,273
2006: 2,385
2005: 2,121
2004: 2,390
2003: 1,609
2002: 1,906
2001: 1,658
2000: 1,833

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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Ecuador, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2009: 19.267
2008: 19.33
2007: 17.03
2006: 18.06
2005: 16.24
2004: 18.51
2003: 12.60
2002: 15.10
2001: 13.30
2000: 14.90
1999: 25.928

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Number of Gun Homicides

ChartIn Ecuador, annual firearm homicides total

2006: 1,6359
2005: 1,714
2004: 1,47210

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn Ecuador, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2006: 12.389
2005: 13.12
2004: 11.6210

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Number of Suicides (any method)

ChartIn Ecuador, annual suicides by any means total

2006: 90011
2000: 53512

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Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Ecuador, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2006: 6.8011
2005: 7.20
2000: 4.1112

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Number of Gun Suicides

In Ecuador, annual firearm suicides total

2000: 9512

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Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

In Ecuador, the annual rate of firearm suicide per 100,000 population is

2000: 0.7312

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Number of Unintentional Gun Deaths

In Ecuador, annual unintentional shooting deaths total

2000: 3112

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Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 People

In Ecuador, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death per 100,000 population is

2000: 0.2412

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Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

In Ecuador, annual shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

2000: 20112

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Rate of Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

In Ecuador, the annual rate of unknown-cause shooting deaths per 100,000 population is

2000: 1.5512

ProductionGun Industry

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Firearm Manufacture

In Ecuador, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence13

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Export Control

In Ecuador, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law 14

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Small Arms Exports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Ecuador is reported to be US$15,32615 (2009)

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Small Arms Exports - World Ranking

In a comparison of the world's major/mid-level/minor/unknown small arms exporters, Ecuador is categorized as 'unknown'16

Import Control

In Ecuador, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law 14

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Small Arms Imports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Ecuador is reported to be US$147,96915 (2009)

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Smuggling Guns and Ammunition

Reports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in Ecuador is high6

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Market Cost of an AK-47 Assault Rifle (US$)

The asking price for an AK-47 pattern assault weapon in Ecuador is reported to be US$60017

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Ecuador, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law14 18

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Ecuador is categorised as restrictive19

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Ecuador is the Act on Manufacturing Import Export Marketing and Possession of Arms Munitions Explosives and Accessories6

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Prohibited Firearms and Ammunition

In Ecuador, civilians are not allowed to possess longguns6

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Regulation of Handguns

In Ecuador, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence6

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Gun Owner Licensing

In Ecuador, only licensed gun owners6 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Licence

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Ecuador are required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example, hunting, target shooting, collection, personal protection, security6

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Ecuador is 18 years6

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Ecuador must pass background checks which consider criminal and mental6 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Ecuador, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are required6

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Ecuador does not stipulate6 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Ecuador, the law requires20 13 21 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In Ecuador, licensed firearm dealers are required22 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

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Gun Manufacturer Record Keeping

In Ecuador, licensed gun makers are required22 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority

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State-Owned Firearm Records

In Ecuador, State agencies are required22 to maintain records of the storage and movement of all firearms and ammunition under their control

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Ecuador do not include6 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Ecuador do not include6 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm Marking

In Ecuador, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law20 21

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Firearm Tracing

In Ecuador, state authorities carry out20 21 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

Carrying Guns

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In Ecuador, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is allowed without a permit, with some restrictions6

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

Andean Community

As a member of the Andean Community, Ecuador adopted Decision 552: The Andean Plan to Prevent, Fight and Eradicate Illicit Trafficking in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects in June, 200323

Organization of American States

On 14 November 1997, as a member of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Ecuador adopted the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials (CIFTA), a legally binding multilateral treaty of which the OAS is depository. The CIFTA Convention has since been signed and ratified24 25 by Ecuador

United Nations Arms Trade Treaty

In 2009, Ecuador voted to begin26 negotiations towards a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty. In this vote, 151 UN Member States supported talks on an ATT, with 1 voting against, 20 abstentions, and 20 non-votes

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United Nations Firearms Protocol

The United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has been signed, but not yet ratified27 by Ecuador

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Ecuador committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects28

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UNPoA National Reporting

Under the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, Ecuador has submitted one or more national reports29 18 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Ecuador, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated30 18

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UNPoA National Coordinating Body

In Ecuador, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated30 18

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UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and Support

In National Reports of Ecuador submitted to the UN, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities is not apparent30 18

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UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated18 by Ecuador to other UN Member States

United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Ecuador has not declared2 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Ecuador has been a Member State of the United Nations since 194531

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list32 Ecuador as a Participating State
Last Updated on 25 January 2012

Short References

1.

Karp, Aaron.2009.‘Estimated Total Small Arms, Firearms, and Surpluses in Ecuador, Rounded.’ Surplus Arms in South America: A Survey.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,1 August. (Q5306)Full Citation

2.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q4)Full Citation

3.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q5)Full Citation

4.

Karp, Aaron.2009.‘Country Summaries – Ecuador.’ Surplus Arms in South America: A Survey.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,1 August. (Q5307)Full Citation

5.

GunPolicy.org.2011.‘Calculated Rates – Ecuador.’ Historical Population Data – USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,17 March. (Q4225)Full Citation

6.

United Nations.1999.‘Analysis of Country Responses.’ United Nations International Study on Firearm Regulation.Vienna:UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division,30 August. (Q1)Full Citation

7.

OAS Observatory on Citizen Security.2011.‘Intentional Homicide.’ Report on Citizen Security in the Americas 2011.Washington, DC:Organisation of American States,1 January. (Q5678)Full Citation

8.

Petrini, Benjamin.2011.‘Latin America and the Caribbean, 1995-2008, Total Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed, Rate per 100,000 Population.’ World Bank Homicide Rate Dataset 1995-2008.Washington DC:Social Development Department, World Bank,10 February. (Q3817)Full Citation

9.

UNODC.2008.‘Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed.’ Tenth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2005-2006).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,10 December. (Q10)Full Citation

10.

UNODC.2006.‘Reported Overall Homicide Numbers and Rates per 100,000 Population for 64 Countries, 2003-04.’ Ninth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2003 – 2004).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,10 December. (Q9)Full Citation

11.

OAS Observatory on Citizen Security.2011.‘Suicide.’ Report on Citizen Security in the Americas 2011.Washington, DC:Organisation of American States,1 January. (Q5680)Full Citation

12.

Jackson, Thomas.2005.‘Global Gun Deaths.’ NISAT Firearm Mortality Database 2005.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 January. (Q12)Full Citation

13.

Ecuador.2008.‘Curbing the Illicit Traffic in Small Arms.’ National Report of Ecuador on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4750)Full Citation

14.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q82)Full Citation

15.

Marsh, Nicholas.2011.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 June. (Q16)Full Citation

16.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘60 Known Legal Small Arms Exporting Countries, 2001.’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q867)Full Citation

17.

World Bank.2007.‘Available Kalashnikov Prices for Specific Countries and Periods.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q3)Full Citation

18.

UNODA.2009.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) – Implementation Support System.New York:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,29 October. (Q1309)Full Citation

19.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A Staff Report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

20.

Ecuador.2010.‘Report on the Programme of Action (Informe sobre el Programa de Acción).’ National Report of Ecuador on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4749)Full Citation

21.

Ecuador.2006.‘Marking, Registration and Tracing (Marcado, Mantenimiento de Registros y Localización).’ National Report of Ecuador on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the United Nations,1 February. (Q4751)Full Citation

22.

Ecuador.2003.‘Report on the Programme of Action.’ National Report of Ecuador on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the United Nations,7 July. (Q4752)Full Citation

23.

UNODA.2003.‘Decision 552: Andean Plan to Prevent, Fight and Eradicate Illicit Trafficking in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all its Aspects.’ United Nations Programme of Action Implementation Support System: Regional Organisations.New York:Andean Community / United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,11 April. (Q3220)Full Citation

24.

OAS / UNODA.1997.‘Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials / CIFTA.’ United Nations Programme of Action Implementation Support System: Regional Organisations.New York:Organization of American States / United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,14 November. (Q3244)Full Citation

25.

OAS.1997.‘Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials (CIFTA): Signatures and Ratifications.’ Organization of American States, Department of International Law.Washington DC:Organization of American States,14 November. (Q3262)Full Citation

26.

UNGA.2009.‘Towards an Arms Trade Treaty: Establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.’ UN Resolution A/RES/64/48.New York:United Nations General Assembly,2 June. (Q1886)Full Citation

27.

UNGA.2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation

28.

UNGA.2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation

29.

Cattaneo, Silvia and Sarah Parker.2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation

30.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q166)Full Citation

31.

UN.2009.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York:United Nations General Assembly,11 May. (Q290)Full Citation

32.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation