TIRANA, January 23 /ATA/ Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu presented today in the Committee for Europe and Foreign Affairs the draft law “On harmonized control and digital traceability of firearm”.
The minister emphasized that a comprehensive new bill has been drafted in response to two key obligations.
“First, we come with a legal package”, said Vengu.
According to the minister, the draft law aims to create a strong, transparent and unified system of state control for the import, export and transit of firearms, with the aim of preventing misuse and illicit trafficking.
“End-to-end traceability is crucial, providing complete, real-time control over the entire supply chain, from origin to final delivery,” he said.
Vengu stressed that the draft law represents a full transposition and a total approximation with European legislation, which makes it important also for the intermediate milestones of Albania’s negotiations with the European Union.
Regarding innovations, the minister stated that, “The draft provides for new types of authorizations through an online traceability procedure, reinforcement of marking rules for all components of firearms and ammunition, as well as the creation of a secure and encrypted electronic licensing system.”
The draft law also clarifies the competencies among the institutions involved in this field, including customs, relevant ministries, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Defense.
The minister added that the main role in implementation of the law will be played by the State Export Control Authority, an institution with over 17 years of expertise, which has become the central law enforcement, regulatory and tracking unit for military goods, dual-use goods and relevant technologies.
The minister explained that the competencies of the State Police remain unchanged, especially in terms of controlling public order, registration, possession and use of weapons within the country.
In conclusion, Vengu emphasized that the draft law has no financial impact on the state budget, on the contrary, it is also aimed at generating revenue through the licensing system. /gj.m/a.f/p.s./
