European regulators on Monday urged EU governments to adopt new rules banning the international export of hunting rifles and other arms for civilian use.

The European Commission proposal will not cover military arms exports or weapons for security forces, the commission said. Neither would it affect internal EU exports, covered by other laws.

It is based on a 2002 agreement struck between the commission and the United Nations, which has yet to be ratified by all member states.

"Combating illicit trafficking of firearms is crucial in our fight against organised crime," said EU commissioner for home affairs Cecilia Malmstroem.

She said the adoption of its proposal would give "law enforcement authorities better tools to track movement of firearms coming to and leaving the EU."

The proposal needs the backing of member states and the European parliament before it will become law.