Egypt has banned the import of laser pens due to their harmful effects, Industry and International Trade Minister Mounir Fakhry Abdel-Nour announced on Thursday.

Laser pens with a power source that is greater than 5 milliwatts can have a major hazardous effect on air traffic and people, said Abdel-Nour.

Laser pens are a hand-held device that emit a tightly focused beam of light that can be concentrated onto a small area.

"This decision aims to implement rules on the use and handling of laser pens, especially because they can harm people and air traffic," said Nour.

Most countries ban laser pens with output power of 5 to 500 milliwatts because they can cause severe eye damage.