Synergies of Transit/Trans-shipment Regulations in International, Regional and Sub-Regional Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Instruments

Developed by IANSA in collaboration with the International Peace Information Service (IPIS), this factsheet forms part of the Series on Synergies, which helps civil society identify complementary provisions across international, regional, and sub-regional instruments regulating small arms and light weapons (SALW). It focuses on transit and trans-shipment controls, comparing provisions across 14 instruments and highlighting common approaches to licensing and authorization, prior consent from transit States, documentation and information requirements, and diversion risk assessment.

By showing where these instruments reinforce one another—and where important differences remain—the factsheet provides civil society advocates and policymakers with a practical tool for identifying gaps in national laws and regulations. It aims to support stronger transit and trans-shipment controls that can help prevent diversion and illicit trafficking of SALW.