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For the purpose of these controls a “Sting Stick” is any type of hand-held, spiked baton.
Following the 2007 Review of Export Controls, which included an extensive public consultation exercise, the Government made a commitment in its initial response to the views and recommendations it received, to extend the current export and trade controls to cover “Sting Sticks.”
The Government considers that “sting sticks” are, by their nature, designed for the purposes of torture or similar inhumane acts and have no other legitimate use. Therefore the Government believes that, in common with other equipment of a similar nature, the UK should apply the most stringent level of controls on the export and trading of “sting sticks”. It announced its intention to introduce these new controls in a Written Statement from Malcolm Wicks MP, Minister of State for Energy, dated 6 February 2008.
Controls on the import and domestic possession of sting sticks will not be introduced as part of this amendment. However, the Government will consider whether an import prohibition should be introduced on sting sticks in due course.
Yes. These controls apply to the export of sting sticks from the UK and the trading of sting sticks between one third country and another third country, where any part of that trading takes place within the UK, or where it takes place anywhere in the world if carried out by a UK person.
Export Control Organisation
Updated: August 2008
