US embassy cable - 05BOGOTA9715

UNCLAS BOGOTA 009715 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ETRD, MARR, PGOV, CO, Demobilization 
SUBJECT: DEFENSE ARTICLE REGULATONS FOR COLOMBIA 
 
1. (U) Presidential Decree 2535 of 1993 governs Colombia's 
weapons imports and manufacturing processes.  Per the 
regulations, Industrias Militares (Indumil) is the only 
entity in Colombia with the ability to import or manufacture 
weapons.  Once the production or import is complete, weapons 
become the responsibility of the Ministry of Defense, in the 
Office of the Armed Forces General Command.  That office 
assumes control of the defense articles and may distribute 
them to the different divisions as needed. 
 
2. (U) According to the Decree, Indumil is not/not 
responsible for tracking defense equipment once it leaves 
their facilities.  To that end, the Decree does not require 
Indumil to keep paperwork on the end user status for imported 
or manufactured items.  Title five of the Decree states: 
 
 -- "Article 57 ) Import and export of arms, munitions, and 
explosions.  Only the National Government can import and 
export arms, munitions, explosives, and its accessories, in 
accordance with the regulations issued by the National 
Government, for the direction of the National Government. 
 
 -- "The importation of explosives and primary materials 
contemplated in paragraph 3 of article 51 of this Decree can 
be requested privately for commercial use except in 
circumstances of defense and national security.  The 
governmental entity charged with these operations cannot 
derive any profit for this duty and can only charge to cover 
administration and management costs." 
 
3. (U) In addition, competent military authorities may sell 
weapons or issue permits in 37 military bases across 
Colombia.  In Title IV, Chapter 1 it regulates the sale of 
munitions: 
 
 -- "Article 48: "Military authorities mentioned by this 
decree can sell munitions to those with necessary permission. 
 In the consideration of the competent authority, military 
authorities may also grant weapon transport permission and 
the weapon itself." 
WOOD