The Economy Ministry said it had issued a decree banning the import, manufacture and sale of replicas of assault rifles, submachine guns, shotguns and pistols.

The aim of the new law "is to permanently remove replicas of firearms sold in national territory that are frequently used to commit various types of crimes, and to protect people's well-being and health," the ministry said.

It said recent legal reforms requiring stiffer sentences for crimes in which firearms are used has led to the use of fake guns by criminals.

Toy guns will still be allowed to be sold, however, if they are not the same size and color as real models, and that are preferably made of clear or florescent plastic, it added.