NISAT researchers' database user manualIntroductionThe NISAT database project collects information on transfers of small arms and light weapons from a variety of sources and compiles them in this database. The database does not provide a definitive value for states' exports and imports. The database therefore provides the user with an opportunity to access information from a wide variety of open data sources. Users should take note that:
Even though the majority of the information comes from official government sources, in many cases it is incomplete and only offers a partial snapshot of the global trade in small arms and light weapons. Users should bear this in mind when discovering that imports do not always correlate with exports (or vice versa). Furthermore, users should be aware that customs data (Comtrade and national customs) merely reports the flow of small arms across borders. Transfers reported by customs sources may not record the final country of destination. Furthermore, some transfers may concern the temporary movement of small arms (such as for repair) rather than definitive exports (or imports). Querying the databaseIt is very important to use the correct selection order for the first four steps (1,2,3,4). More information about the steps is displayed below (click on the headings for more information).
Once the categories have been selected the 'go' button will become active. You should press it to search the database. You may have to wait a few minutes for very large searched to be processed. Your browser may 'time out' if the search takes too long. In this case please search again using more limited parameters. For example, a search of all US exports over the period 1962-2002 will produce an excessively large dataset. You are advised to split up the search (perhaps by looking at data for only ten years at a time). Interpreting the resultsThe database presents information in the following categories (click on them for more information):
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