Zimbabwe. 2008 ‘Marking Practice.’ National Report of Zimbabwe 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); Chapter 1. New York, NY: Permanent Mission of Zimbabwe to the United Nations. 1 January

Relevant contents

b. Marking Practice

i. Zimbabwe does not manufacture weapons, it is an importer.

Zimbabwe does not ask manufacturers to put a unique mark on all firearms exported to Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe does not remark firearms at point of entry into the country.

Zimbabwe uses the manufacturer's serial number to register all firearms in the
country.

The manufacturer's records are kept at the Central Firearms Registry where each
weapon has got a history file. Gun dealers are required to keep import records
including the manufacturer's record as long as the firearm is active and the year of import.

The army and police weapons which are state weapons, have additional departmental markings supplied by the respective quartermasters; the manufacturer's serial number should not be obliterated. It should remain clear and easily readable.

The police are mandated to mark home made weapons upon registration.

ii. Even on transfer of Government stocks to permanent civilian possession, Zimbabwe does not remark weapons, the manufacturer's marking is sufficient for registration.

iii. Small arms and light weapons in possession of Government armed and security forces are remarked by the respective departments and the records are kept there, the police have access to the records when the need arises.

iv. Zimbabwe has not recovered or found illicit small arms and light weapons in her territory, if found the due process of the law will come into effect and ultimately the weapons will be destroyed.

v. Zimbabwe does not remark or put a unique marking on firearms, parts and
components. Zimbabwe uses the manufacturer's markings.

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