International Tracing Instrument (ITI)

In 2005, the UN also adopted the International Tracing Instrument (ITI), which requires States to ensure that weapons are properly marked and that records are kept in a timely and reliable manner. The ITI provides a framework for cooperation in weapons tracing which fulfills one of the commitments governments made in the Programme of Action. Improving weapons tracing is now part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Several persistent challenges have impeded the full operationalization of the ITI, including issues concerning identification, marking, record-keeping and information sharing. In addition, emerging technological trends (such as 3D-printed weapons) and wider contextual factors have had an impact on its implementation.

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) conducts research on disarmament and security and developed the project, “International Tracing Instrument (ITI) and the Way Forward: Examining Possible Options to Support the Operationalization of the ITI” to examine the preconditions and processes necessary for the effective implementation of the ITI (full project report attached below). First, the project aimed to review and consolidate options and approaches on a select number of recommendations made under the PoA framework in order to strengthen the future implementation of the ITI. Second, it aimed to examine and identify concrete options to support the operationalization of the ITI by providing policy-focused recommendations to States. Additionally, the project sought to contribute to broader ongoing discussions on the way forward for the ITI beyond 2018.