Yes, airsoft guns are legal in the Netherlands under strict conditions. The Dutch Weapons and Ammunition Act (Wet wapens en munitie) classifies airsoft replicas as “imitation firearms,” requiring compliance with registration, transport, and usage rules enforced by the Politie and Justitie. Since 2023, mandatory orange-tip markings and age verification have been enforced, with further 2026 amendments tightening storage protocols for retailers.
Key Regulations for Airsoft Guns in Netherlands
- Registration & Orange-Tip Mandate: All airsoft guns must feature a visible 1 cm orange tip on the barrel end, per EU Firearms Directive transposition. Unmarked replicas are classified as illegal firearms, punishable under Article 26 of the Weapons Act.
- Age & Purchase Restrictions: Buyers must present a valid ID proving age (18+) and sign a declaration of non-criminal intent. Retailers must verify purchasers against the Dutch Weapons Register (Wapenregister) before sale.
- Transport & Storage Protocols: Airsoft guns must be transported in locked, opaque cases during transit. Retailers and private owners must store them in secure safes with documented inventory logs, as mandated by the 2026 Opslagvoorschriften Wapens amendment.