Citation(s) from the GunPolicy.org literature library
Canada. 2020 ‘Marking.’ National Report of Canada 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); Section 7, pp. 17-18. New York NY: Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations. 1 January
Relevant contents
Marking
7.1 Does your country take measures to ensure that all SALW in the possession of government armed and security forces for their own use are duly marked? YES
7.1.1. Describe the markings that are applied to government-held stocks.
Canadian law enforcement can have internal policies requiring markings. For example, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) requires the manufacturer's name and a serial number be marked on their duty firearms. Where large quantities of firearms are purchased, the firearms are also marked as belonging to the RCMP.
All small arms and light weapons purchased by the Department of National Defence (DND) are marked with a unique serial number applied by the manufacturer. The formats of serial numbers are established under the terms of each production contract. The serial numbers for newly purchased or manufactured firearms for DND from the Original Equipment Manufacturer, for example, follow a standard format: two digits for the year of manufacture, two letters indicating the model and additional digits for sequential numerical designation of the weapon type, starting at 00001 for the year of manufacture.
If applicable, the small arm is clearly identified as a Canadian Armed Forces Weapon with its calibre also marked. Each firearm is also marked Made in Canada, with the logo of Original Equipment Manufacturer.
7.1.2. When government stocks are transferred to civilians or private companies in your territory, are such stocks marked to indicate that your government transferred the stocks? NO
7.2. Does your country encourage manufacturers of SALW to develop measures against the removal or alteration of markings? YES
7.2.1. Details:
It is a criminal offence to alter, deface or remove a serial number on a firearm, or to possess a firearm knowing that the serial number on it has been altered, defaced or removed, pursuant to subsection 108(1) of the Criminal Code. This offence has a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.
7.3. In its marking practice, does your country take into account developments in SALW manufacturing, technology and design (e.g. modular weapons, the use of new materials and 3D printing)? YES
7.3.1 Details:
Marking is done on all crucial sub-assemblies of the small arms.
7.4. Pursuant to paragraph 31 of the International Tracing Instrument, States will provide the following information, updating it when necessary: a) National marking practices related to markings used to indicate country of manufacture and/or country of import as applicable.
Yes.
[SALW = Small Arms and Light Weapons]