Firearms are durable and modular goods, which circulate in both civilian and state possession. Firearms can also easily be disassembled and re-assembled, can lie dormant for years before being misused, and are frequently smuggled and trafficked across international borders. Without accountability throughout the lifecycle of a firearm, or an accurate understanding of the firearms in circulation within a jurisdiction, other crucial elements of WAM such as marking, tracing and profiling, stockpile management and the collection and destruction of firearms are swiflty undermined. Understanding these challenges, Arquebus maintains that a crucial tool for sustained and expansive progress in minimising the impact of SALW misuse upon human security is an effective national firearms registry.