Study in view of a report evaluating the implementation of Regulation 258/2012 : final report

Regulation 258/2012 aims at reducing the risk of illicit trafficking in firearms for civilian use by establishing common rules for extra-EU export, import and transit of firearms, their parts and components and ammunition. This study assesses to what extent Regulation 258/2012 has been effective, efficient, relevant to EU needs, coherent with and complementary to international and EU instruments in the field of arms control, and have brought EU added value. The study confirms Regulation 258/2012 to be overall a relevant initiative in addressing the risks of illicit trafficking, and specifically diversion, of civilian firearms. National implementation practices introduced following enactment of the Regulation resulted in the creation of preventive systems and in the adoption of minimum common rules on export, import and transit that limited the security risks of international exchanges. However, the study finds that there is scope to further harmonise national practices and improve the exchange of information, to increase the overall relevance of the EU initiative by addressing risks posed by convertible items, and to improve coherence by clarifying the "grey areas" arising from comparison with the Common Position 2008/944/CFSP, and inconsistencies with the revised Firearms Directive. Based on the evaluation, the study identifies recommendations, with different levels of priority, and specific actions for implementation.