MARCO JURÍDICO DE LAS ARMAS Y MUNICIONES EN GUATEMALA

The legal framework for arms and ammunition in Guatemala has undergone significant development with the enactment of Decree 15-2009, known as the Law on Arms and Ammunition. Prior to this regulation, access to arms was widely permissive, which facilitated both legal purchases and illicit trafficking. The new law established the General Directorate for the Control of Arms and Ammunition (DIGECAM), responsible for regulating and supervising the possession and carrying of firearms, with the aim of curbing misuse and illegal trafficking. Despite these advances, legal loopholes remain that limit the effectiveness of regulation. The partial exclusion of military arms and the lack of adequate control over private security companies are two of the main issues the current legislation faces. Additionally, illicit trafficking remains a challenge, as the law does not fully cover all activities related to arms brokerage and transit. Although the law implemented arms marking and established controls over international transfers, the lack of clarity in arms classification and limited supervision of state institutions hinder effective control. Guatemala’s international commitments in this area require further strengthening of institutions and more comprehensive legislative reforms to address the proliferation of firearms and reduce armed violence in the country.