Firearm Export Permit

A firearm export permit (vuurwapen uitvoervergunning) is required for exporting firearms, ammunition, and related products to countries outside the European Union. This permit falls under EU Regulation 258/2012 on the export of civilian firearms and is intended to prevent illegal arms trafficking.

Traders, manufacturers, and individuals who wish to export firearms must apply for this permit with the Central Import and Export Office (CDIU) of Dutch Customs. The application must specify the type and quantity of items, the destination country, and the end user. Processing includes verification against international arms embargoes and end-use certificates. Transfers within the EU follow a separate notification procedure.

Requirements

  • Target group: Arms dealers, manufacturers, individuals exporting firearms
  • Scope: Export to countries outside the EU
  • Products: Firearms, ammunition, parts and accessories

Procedure

  • Application: Submission of application to the competent authority
  • Competent authority: National government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Economic Affairs)
  • Assessment: Verification of destination country, end user and type of firearm

Restrictions

  • Embargoes: Export to countries with arms embargo is prohibited
  • End-user certificate: Required in many cases to prevent misuse