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Turks & Caicos — 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 (both licit and illicit) held by civilians in Turks & Caicos is

2017: 1,0001

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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

The estimated rate of private gun ownership (both licit and illicit) per 100 people in Turks & Caicos is

2017: 3.301

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Number of Registered Firearms

The number of registered guns in Turks & Caicos is reported to be

2017: 3001

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Estimated Number of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms

Unregistered and unlawfully held guns cannot be counted,2 but in Turks & Caicos there are estimated to be

2017: 7001

Government Guns

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Turks & Caicos are reported to have 1003 firearms

ImpactsDeath and Injury

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Total Number of Gun Deaths

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual deaths resulting from firearms total

2014: 14
2013: 2

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Rate of All Gun Deaths per 100,000 People

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, the annual rate of all gun deaths per 100,000 population is

2014: 2.044
2013: 4.19
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0

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Total Number of Male Gun Deaths

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual male deaths resulting from firearms total

2014: 14
2013: 2

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Total Number of Female Gun Deaths

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual female deaths resulting from firearms total

2014: 04
2013: 0

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual homicides by any means total

2014: 24
2013: 4
2009: 25 6
2008: 2
2005: 0
2004: 0
2003: 0
2002: 2
2001: 0
2000: 0
1999: 06
1998: 0

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

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2014: 2.044
2013: 4.19
2009: 6.65 6
2008: 6.8
2005: 0.0
2004: 0.0
2003: 0.0
2002: 11.3
2001: 0.0
2000: 0.0
1999: 0.06
1998: 0.0
1997: 12.8
1996: 6.7
1995: 7.1

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Male Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual male homicides by any means total

2014: 24
2013: 3

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Female Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual female homicides by any means total

2014: 04
2013: 1

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Gun Homicides

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual firearm homicides total

2014: 14
2013: 2

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2014: 2.044
2013: 4.19

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Male Gun Homicide Victims

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual male firearm homicides total

2015: 14
2014: 1
2013: 2

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Female Gun Homicide Victims

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual female firearm homicides total

2015: 04
2014: 0
2013: 0

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Suicides (any method)

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual suicides by any means total

2014: 14
2013: 0

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

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2014: 2.044
2013: 0

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Male Suicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual male suicides by any means total

2014: 14
2013: 0

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Female Suicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual female suicides by any means total

2014: 04
2013: 0

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Gun Suicides

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual firearm suicides total

2014: 04
2013: 0

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Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, the annual rate of firearm suicide per 100,000 population is

2014: 04
2013: 0

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Male Gun Suicide Victims

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual male firearm suicides total

2014: 04
2013: 0

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Female Gun Suicide Victims

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual female firearm suicides total

2014: 04
2013: 0

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Unintentional Gun Deaths

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual unintentional shooting deaths total

2014: 04
2013: 0

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Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death per 100,000 population is

2014: 04
2013: 0

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Unintentional Male Gun Deaths

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual unintentional male shooting deaths total

2014: 04
2013: 0

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Unintentional Female Gun Deaths

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual unintentional female shooting deaths total

2014: 04
2013: 0

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Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

2014: 04
2013: 0

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Male Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual male shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

2014: 04
2013: 0

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Female Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual female shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

2014: 04
2013: 0

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In Turks & Caicos, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence7 8

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Firearm Exports

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Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Turks & Caicos is reported by Customs to be US$22,9059 (2011)

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Firearm Imports

In Turks & Caicos, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law10

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Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Turks & Caicos is reported by Customs to be US$44,2789 (2011)11

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Turks & Caicos, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law12

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End User Certificates

Customs regulations in Turks & Caicos do not include12 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Turks & Caicos is categorised as restrictive13

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Turks & Caicos includes the Firearms Ordinance of 200914

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Turks & Caicos are regulated by the Commissioner of Police15

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Right to Possess Firearms

In Turks & Caicos, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law16 17

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Restricted Firearms and Ammunition

In Turks & Caicos, civilians are not allowed to possess automatic firearms18 19

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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In Turks & Caicos, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is permitted under licence19

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Regulation of Handguns

In Turks & Caicos, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence19 11

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Law Regulates Long Guns

In Turks & Caicos, civilian possession of rifles and shotguns is regulated by law19

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Gun Ownership and Possession

In Turks & Caicos, only licensed gun owners20 15 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Possession

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Turks & Caicos are required to establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm21

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Turks & Caicos is 18 years21

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Turks & Caicos must pass a background check which considers criminal15 and mental health22 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Turks & Caicos, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are required21

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Partner to be Advised or Interviewed

In Turks & Caicos, licensing authorities are not required12 to conduct interviews with, or to advise an applicant's spouse, partner, or next of kin before issuing a gun licence

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Turks & Caicos does not stipulate12 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In Turks & Caicos, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required11 for a firearm licence

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Gun Owner Licensing Period

In Turks & Caicos, gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every year23

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Limit on Number of Guns

Licensed firearm owners in Turks & Caicos are permitted to possess any number of firearms12

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Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

Licensed firearm owners in Turks & Caicos are permitted to possess only the quantity of ammunition indicated in the licence20 24

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Turks & Caicos, the law requires25 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 Turks & Caicos, licensed firearm dealers are required26 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 Turks & Caicos, licensed gun makers are required26 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority

Gun Sales and Transfers

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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In Turks & Caicos, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited unless registered by the Commissioner of Police27 28

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Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In Turks & Caicos, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful7 15 24 28 8

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Waiting Period for Gun Possession

In Turks & Caicos, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined12

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Regulation of Gun Shows

In Turks & Caicos, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated12 in law

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Turks & Caicos include11 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 Turks & Caicos do not include12 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 Turks & Caicos, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law25

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Firearm Tracing

In Turks & Caicos, state authorities do not carry out12 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

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Ballistic Record of Firearms and Ammunition

In Turks & Caicos, the ballistic characteristics of each civilian firearm and its ammunition are not12 recorded in a register

Carrying Guns

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Law Regulates Firearms in Public

In Turks & Caicos, carrying a gun in a public place is permitted under licence15 29

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Turks & Caicos, the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm30 is two years in prison or a $40,000 fine20 31 32

MeasuresInternational Controls

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Turks & Caicos is not a Member State of the United Nations33

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list34 Turks & Caicos as a Participating State

Short References

1.

Karp, Aaron.2018.‘Civilian Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Civilian-Held Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13434)Full Citation

2.

GunPolicy.org. 2019. ‘Estimated Number of Illicit Firearms.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 24 January. (G14) Full Citation

3.

Karp, Aaron.2018.‘Law Enforcement Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Law Enforcement Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13435)Full Citation

4.

WHO.2016.‘Inter-country Comparison of Mortality for Selected Causes of Death.’ WHO Mortality Data Base.Geneva:World Health Organisation,1 December. (Q13354)Full Citation

5.

UNODC.2014.‘Homicides in Turks & Caicos.’ Global Study on Homicide 2013: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),10 April. (Q10158)Full Citation

6.

UNODC.2013.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Turks and Caicos Islands.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,26 June. (Q6352)Full Citation

7.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Gunsmith Trading Illegally.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8998)Full Citation

8.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Gunsmith's Name to Be Displayed.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8999)Full Citation

9.

Marsh, Nicholas.2014.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,22 December. (Q16)Full Citation

10.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Importation of Firearms.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8994)Full Citation

11.

Gemma Handy. 2009. ‘$2m in Arms Imported by Islanders.’ Turks & Caicos Weekly News. 17 July. (N172) Full Citation

12.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Short Title.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q12073)Full Citation

13.

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

14.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Short Title.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8989)Full Citation

15.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Licences and Fees.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8991)Full Citation

16.

Sherman, Amy and Tom Ginsburg.2014.‘Gun Rights in National Constitutions.’ Marco Rubio Says Second Amendment Is Unique in Speech to NRA.Miami, FL:Miami Herald (PolitiFact Florida),29 April. (Q8507)Full Citation

17.

Zachary Elkins, Tom Ginsburg and James Melton. 2013. ‘U.S. Gun Rights Truly Are American Exceptionalism.’ Bloomberg (USA). 7 March. (N422) Full Citation

18.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Prohibited Weapons and Ammunition.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9003)Full Citation

19.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Fees for Licence.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9027)Full Citation

20.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Firearm to Be Licensed.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8990)Full Citation

21.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Certificate of Fitness.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8992)Full Citation

22.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Revocation of Insane Person's Licence.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8997)Full Citation

23.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Licence to Expire on 31st December.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8996)Full Citation

24.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Restrictions on Sale of Ammunition.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8993)Full Citation

25.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Owner to Describe All Firearms on His Declaration Before Obtaining Licence.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9028)Full Citation

26.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Books to Be Kept by Licensed Gunsmith.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9000)Full Citation

27.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Disposal of Firearms.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9001)Full Citation

28.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Sale to Intoxicated or Insane Persons Prohibited.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9002)Full Citation

29.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Licence Required to Carry Firearm in Public Place.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8995)Full Citation

30.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Penalty for Unlawful Firearm Possession.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 22 January. (G93) Full Citation

31.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Surrender of Firearms.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9026)Full Citation

32.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Penalties for Certain Offences.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9004)Full Citation

33.

UN.2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York, NY:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation

34.

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