The European Union adopted legislation in 1991 on the control of the purchase and possession of weapons, but amendments are necessary to keep the EU in line with a United Nations protocol, the EU executive said in a statement.

"The tracing of firearms is vital in the fight against organised crime," said EU Enterprise and Industry Commissioner Guenter Verheugen.

Under current legislation, dealers must keep information on all firearms bought or sold for 5 years, including the type, make, model, calibre, serial number, and the names and addresses of the supplier and the purchaser.

The EU executive wants to extend the obligation to 10 years. Each country would be free to decide whether dealers or authorities would be responsible for keeping the records, an EU official said.

The proposal also aims to tighten existing obligations to mark arms at production, and to make sure the appropriate penalties are applied, the EU executive said.