From 3D printing to drones: how the UN-IAFQ is evolving to understand new technologies and dynamics in the illicit arms trade
Data reported by Member States will be essential to analyzing the convergence between firearms trafficking, drug trafficking, and other forms of organized crime in the upcoming Global Firearms Survey 2027.
How are new technologies transforming the dynamics of illicit arms trafficking? What links exist between arms trafficking and other illicit markets, such as drug trafficking? What are the implications of emerging phenomena such as 3D printing, digital blueprints for firearms, machinegun conversion devices, or the use of drones?
Answering these questions requires a global understanding of the phenomenon and, above all, comparable, high-quality data. In this context, as part of the 2026–2027 global data collection cycle, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) presented the updated United Nations Illicit Arms Flows Questionnaire (UN-IAFQ), a tool for understanding the new dynamics and emerging trends in illicit arms trafficking.
The presentation was the result of joint work between the Global Firearms Programme (GFP), responsible for thematic issues related to illicit firearms trafficking, and the Research and Trend Analysis Branch (RAB), responsible for UNODC’s statistical and analytical work. The session featured the participation of Simonetta Grassi, Leonardo Lara and Lucía Consoli from GFP, as well as Andrea Oterová and other RAB specialists, reflecting a joint effort to strengthen the quality and use of information on illicit arms flows.
The session brought together national focal points, national statistical offices, and authorities responsible for providing information, all of whom play an essential role in building the global evidence base on illicit arms trafficking.
A renewed tool for a constantly evolving phenomenon
First launched in 2018, the UN-IAFQ underwent a comprehensive review with the aim of simplifying the reporting process, enhancing the quality and international comparability of the data, and expanding the analytical capabilities of the information collected.
In this regard, Andrea Oterova pointed out that the main improvements include new mechanisms to record information on seizures, tracing and the recovery context of firearms, as well as strengthened methodological guidance and validation procedures to support more consistent responses across countries.
The questionnaire also strengthens the monitoring of Sustainable Development Goal indicator 16.4.2, which measures the proportion of seized, found, or surrendered arms whose illicit origin or context has been traced or determined by a competent authority.
From National Reports to Global Knowledge
Simonetta Grassi, Senior Officer for Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and Head of UNODC’s Global Firearms Program, noted that the data collected during the 2026–2027 cycle will be a key input for the upcoming Global Study on Firearms Trafficking 2027, which will include new chapters on emerging technologies, criminal justice responses, and the interlinkages between firearms trafficking and other forms of organized crime.
The study will also examine the impact of 3D printing and digital firearms blueprints, machinegun conversion devices, artisanal production and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones. It will further explore the connections between illicit arms trafficking and other criminal markets, including drug trafficking.
A shared responsibility
Lucía Consoli, Head of Office of UNODC Argentina, emphasized that the production of comparable statistics on illicit arms trafficking is a collective effort that involves coordinated work among security and justice authorities (police, prosecutors and judges) national statistical offices, national focal points and international organizations.
In this context, the UNODC-INEGI Center of Excellence in Statistical Information on Government, Crime, Victimization, and Justice provides Latin American and Caribbean countries with technical assistance and capacity-building services to support the implementation of the questionnaire, improve the quality and comparability of data, and promote the strategic use of information for the formulation of evidence-based public policies.
From Data to Action
Understanding the routes, markets, and emerging technologies of the illicit arms trade is essential to addressing this phenomenon from a strategic, evidence-based perspective—one that begins with reliable data.
The deadline for submitting information for the current cycle is July 31, 2026.
If you would like to:
📧 Learn more about the methodological materials, visit:
Illicit Arms Flows Questionnaire (UN-IAFQ)
📧 Ask questions about the questionnaire and the 2026–2027 data collection cycle:
📧 Request technical assistance and capacity building: