High-powered laser pointers have also been banned.

The Firearms Amendment Act will make it more difficult to obtain gun licences and increases penalties for firearms offences.

Attorney-General Simon Corbell said the laws aim to prevent organised crime from obtaining weapons or becoming involved in gun dealerships.

The laws create new offences for defacing serial numbers and give police greater powers to ensure gun owners stick to the conditions of their licences.

They also impose tougher sentences on people convicted of gun offences. Owning a prohibited firearm, an offence which previously led to six months' jail, will now carry a 10-year sentence.

People who apply for a gun licence will also have to provide 100 points of identification, including a driver's licence and rental agreements.

The laws have been criticised by gun dealers who say they impose overly strict regulation on legitimate gun owners.

The ban on laser pointers would have immediate effect.

The laws also decriminalise the ownership of paintball guns and allow Canberrans aged over 18 to apply for paintball gun licences.

New forensics laws have been passed to bring the ACT into line with national standards on storing DNA information.