The Government is moving to restrict the importation of replica firearms including airguns that look like pistols or military-style semi-automatic weapons.
The Arms Amendment Bill introduced to Parliament on Friday will require anyone importing replica firearms to have an import permit.
Police Minister Judith Collins says there are virtually no import controls for replica guns, which she says are frequently used by criminals.
Ms Collins says the replicas are easily mistaken for real firearms, which makes them attractive to criminals.
Police estimate there could be up to one incident a week involving fake pistols, military-style semi-automatics or restricted weapons that results in an armed police response.
