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Airgun law · World

Are Airguns Legal in Netherlands?

Yes, with conditions.

Generally legal, but with real rules to follow — usually age verification, and in some places a low-power threshold.

Tier 3 — Moderate

Threshold-based licensing — permit-free band for low-power, licence required above.

NL

The picture at a glance

Each measure below scores how restrictive Netherlands is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).

ClassificationThreshold-based
Age rule18+
PossessionRestricted access
Transfer / saleVariable
TransportCased + carry restricted
AuthorityNational statute
Before you buy or sell
  • Schiphol/KLM transit requires 8-week-advance Dutch Customs permission.
  • Without proper permits, confiscation in Amsterdam is documented.

The rules in detail

Classification
Threshold-based
Wet wapens en munitie: airguns are Category IV weapons. Adult ownership permitted but specific acts (public carry) prohibited.
Age rule
18+
Adult (18+) implied for Category IV ownership.
Possession
Restricted access
Adults may own Category IV airguns. Public-road carry prohibited.
Transfer / sale
Variable
Customs guidance addresses import; airgun-specific workflow not detailed.
Transport
Cased + carry restricted
Public carry prohibited.
Authority
National statute
National statute.

Hunting with an airgun

Hunting with airguns not a recognised method.

Deer
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Turkey
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Small game
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Predators
Unresolved / not addressed
—
Other big game
Unresolved / not addressed
—

Import & travel

Energy threshold
Category IV — no single joule threshold stated
Caliber rule
Not specified at national level.
Travel note
Avoid Schiphol transit unless 8+ weeks advance Dutch Customs permit obtained.

Local & import notes

Visitor / transit (KLM)
KLM requires pre-notification at reservation AND advance permission from Dutch Customs for Netherlands transit. Apply at least 8 weeks in advance. Without permits, weapons subject to confiscation in Amsterdam.

This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.