Transparency in international Arms Transfers

Transparency can cover the exchange of information between states as a means to build confidence and enhance cooperation between states that regard participation as being in line with their national and international security interests. By exchanging information on intentions and capabilities it is hoped that the exaggeration of threats, misinterpretations and miscalculations that can lead to arms races and armed conflict can be avoided. The UN Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA) was established for such purposes, but the information provided by states on their international arms transfers is also made publicly available. 

Publishing data on arms exports and imports is a sensitive issue for nearly all states. However, publicly accessible data on arms transfers are crucial for assessing states' arms export and arms procurement policies. By providing official information on international arms transfers, the parliament and the general public are given the opportunity to monitor a government's compliance with its national and international legal obligations regarding the prevention of conflict, human rights violations and, to a degree, illicit arms transfers. A number of states provide information on their arms exports and export control systems in annual reports. At the regional level, the member states of the European Union and states in the Western Balkans provide information on the financial value of their arms export licences issued, denied and actual exports on an annual basis for regional reports. 

SIPRI Arms Transfers Programme researchers relating to the transparency of international arms transfers in the SIPRI Yearbook and other publications. They also conduct research projects examining international, regional and national transparency mechanisms and present recommendations for how they could be improved.