Regions Europe Western Europe Netherlands

Netherlands — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers
Civilian Guns
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Number of Privately Owned FirearmsChartThe estimated total number of guns (both licit and illicit) held by civilians in the Netherlands is 

2017: 442,0001
2007: 510,0002
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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 PopulationChartThe estimated rate of private gun ownership (both licit and illicit) per 100 people in the Netherlands is 

2017: 2.601
2007: 3.92
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Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World RankingIn a 2007 comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, the Netherlands ranked at No. 783
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Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World RankingIn a 2007 comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 178 countries, the Netherlands ranked at No. 1122
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Proportion of Adults Living in a Home With a GunIn the Netherlands, the percentage of adults living in a household with a firearm is reported to be 

2015: 1%4
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Proportion of Households with FirearmsChartIn the Netherlands, the percentage of households with one or more guns is reported to be 

2005: 4.8%5
1999/2003: 1.7%
1995/98: 2.3%
1992: 1.9%6
1992/94: 2.0%5
1989: 2.0%
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Proportion of Households with RiflesIn the Netherlands, the percentage of households with one or more rifles is reported to be 

1992: 0.7%6
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Proportion of Households with ShotgunsIn the Netherlands, the percentage of households with one or more shotguns is reported to be 

1992: 0.0%6
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Proportion of Households with HandgunsChartIn the Netherlands, the percentage of households with one or more handguns is reported to be 

2005: 1.3%5
1999/2003: 0.8%
1995/98: 0.9%
1992/94: 1.4%5 6
1989: 0.9%
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Number of Registered FirearmsChartThe number of registered guns in the Netherlands is reported to be 

2017: 205,3471
2007: 330,0002
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Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 PopulationThe rate of registered guns per 100 people in the Netherlands is 2.027
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Estimated Number of Unregistered and Illicit FirearmsChartUnregistered and unlawfully held guns cannot be counted,8 but in the Netherlands there are estimated to be 

2017: 236,6531
2005: 85,000 - 125,0009
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Estimated Rate of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms per 100 PopulationUnregistered and unlawfully held guns cannot be counted,8 but in the Netherlands the rate of such firearms per 100 people is estimated to be 0.777
Government Guns
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Number of Military FirearmsThe defence forces of the Netherlands are reported to have 108,67610 firearms
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Number of Law Enforcement FirearmsPolice in the Netherlands are reported to have 96,00011 firearms

ImpactsDeath and InjuryCompare
Total Number of Gun DeathsChartIn the Netherlands, annual deaths resulting from firearms total 

7812
74
71
92
96
76
10713 14
93
90
94
113
114
123
122
136
130
145
131
133
143 
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Rate of All Gun Deaths per 100,000 PeopleChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of all gun deaths per 100,000 population is 

0.4612
0.44
0.42
0.55
0.58
0.46
0.65
0.57
0.55
0.58
0.69
0.70
0.76
0.76
0.85
0.82
0.92
0.83
0.85
0.92
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Total Number of Male Gun DeathsChartIn the Netherlands, annual male deaths resulting from firearms total 

7112
70
62
84
81
69
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Total Number of Female Gun DeathsChartIn the Netherlands, annual female deaths resulting from firearms total 

712
4
9
8
15
7
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Homicides (any method)ChartIn the Netherlands, annual homicides by any means total 

10415
123
125
145
143
144
175
176
164
159
197
223
247
224
264
223
23016 17 18 19
208
23716 17 18 19 20
240
29916 19 20 
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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

0.4612
0.44
0.42
0.55
0.58
0.46
1.06
1.07
1.00
0.97
1.21
1.37
1.52
1.39
1.65
1.40
1.457 19
1.32
1.527 19 20
1.54
1.919 20
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Male Homicide Victims (any method)ChartIn the Netherlands, annual male homicides by any means total 

6221
93
69
95
93
90
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Female Homicide Victims (any method)ChartIn the Netherlands, annual female homicides by any means total 

4221
30
56
50
50
54
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Gun HomicidesChartIn the Netherlands, annual firearm homicides total 

3112
40
28
49
4915
33
5516 13 14 22 23 19
52
47
43
63
6716 13 14 22 19
7516 13 14 22
80
91
81
89
74
78
86 
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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is 

0.1812
0.24
0.17
0.29
0.29
0.20
0.337 22 19
0.32
0.29
0.26
0.39
0.417 22 19
0.467 22
0.50
0.57
0.51
0.56
0.47
0.50
0.55
0.3624
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Proportion of Homicides Committed With a GunChartIn the Netherlands, the percentage of homicides committed with a firearm is reported to be 

34%23 25
23%
27%
25%
28%
24%
31%
29.9%19
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Male Gun Homicide VictimsChartIn the Netherlands, annual male firearm homicides total 

3912
39
23
42
36
27
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Female Gun Homicide VictimsChartIn the Netherlands, annual female firearm homicides total 

112
1
5
7
13
6
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Handgun HomicidesChartIn the Netherlands, annual handgun homicides total 

014
2
214 22
2
014
114 22
2
1
2
1
5
4
5
3
1
1
2
3
4
3 
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Rate of Handgun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of handgun homicide per 100,000 population is 

0.007
0.01
0.017 22
0.01
0.007
0.017 22
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.03
0.02
0.03
0.02
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.02
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Long Gun HomicidesChartIn the Netherlands, annual long gun homicides total 

014
1
0
114 22
1
1
1
1
014
0
0
0
214 22
1
014
114 22
014
114 22
1
014 
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Rate of Long Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of long gun homicide per 100,000 population is 

0.007
0.01
0.00
0.017 22
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.007
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.017 22
0.01
0.00
0.01
0.007
0.017 22
0.01
0.007
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Gun Homicides (Other)ChartIn the Netherlands, annual gun homicides (other) total 

3114
37
2614 22
46
48
31
38
35
37
30
49
49
49
59
68
64
73
54
58
68 
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Rate of Gun Homicide (Other) per 100,000 PeopleChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of gun homicide (other) per 100,000 population is 

0.187
0.22
0.157 22
0.27
0.29
0.19
0.23
0.21
0.23
0.18
0.30
0.30
0.30
0.37
0.42
0.40
0.46
0.34
0.37
0.44
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Suicides (any method)ChartIn the Netherlands, annual suicides by any means total 

1,87126
1,839
1,854
1,753
1,647
1,600
1,525
1,435
1,353
1,524
1,572
1,514
1,500
1,567
1,473
1,500
1,51726 27
1,51926
1,570
1,577 
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Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is 

11.0412
10.90
11.03
10.48
9.89
9.65
9.25
8.74
8.27
9.34
9.64
9.31
9.25
9.71
9.18
9.42
9.597 27
9.667
10.05
10.14
10.3028
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Male Suicide Victims (any method)ChartIn the Netherlands, annual male suicides by any means total 

1,28012
1,250
1,305
1,186
1,136
1,124
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Female Suicide Victims (any method)ChartIn the Netherlands, annual female suicides by any means total 

59112
589
549
567
511
476
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Gun SuicidesChartIn the Netherlands, annual firearm suicides total 

4714
33
4314 29
4214 29 30
4714 29
40
52
40
42
50
49
45
46
39
43
47
51
53
50
55 
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Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of firearm suicide per 100,000 population is 

0.2812
0.20
0.26
0.25
0.28
0.24
0.32
0.24
0.26
0.31
0.30
0.28
0.28
0.24
0.27
0.30
0.32
0.34
0.32
0.35
0.3131
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Male Gun Suicide VictimsChartIn the Netherlands, annual male firearm suicides total 

4512
30
39
41
45
39
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Female Gun Suicide VictimsChartIn the Netherlands, annual female firearm suicides total 

212
3
4
1
2
1
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Handgun SuicidesChartIn the Netherlands, annual handgun suicides total 

514
3
414 29
5
8
1
7
6
3
9
19
11
8
11
6
12
6
9
15
8 
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Rate of Handgun Suicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of handgun suicide per 100,000 population is 

0.037
0.02
0.027 29
0.03
0.05
0.01
0.04
0.04
0.02
0.06
0.12
0.07
0.05
0.07
0.04
0.08
0.04
0.06
0.10
0.05
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Long Gun SuicidesChartIn the Netherlands, the number of long gun suicides is 

414
1
414 29
6
3
3
6
3
3
5
6
6
9
3
014
114 29
5
3
2
7 
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Rate of Long Gun Suicide per 100,000 PeopleChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of long gun suicide per 100,000 population is 

0.027
0.01
0.027 29
0.04
0.02
0.02
0.04
0.02
0.02
0.03
0.04
.004
0.06
0.02
0.007
0.017 29
0.03
0.02
0.01
0.05
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Gun Suicides (Other)ChartIn the Netherlands, annual gun suicides (other) total 

3814
29
3514 29
31
36
36
39
31
36
36
24
28
29
25
37
34
40
41
33
40 
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Rate of Gun Suicide (Other) per 100,000 PeopleChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of gun suicide (other) per 100,000 population is 

0.227
0.17
0.217 29
0.19
0.22
0.22
0.24
0.19
0.22
0.22
0.15
0.17
0.18
0.15
0.23
0.21
0.25
0.26
0.21
0.26
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Unintentional Gun DeathsChartIn the Netherlands, annual unintentional shooting deaths total 

014
1
0
114 32 30
014
114 32
014
0
0
0
0
214 32
1
3
1
2
5
3
3
1 
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Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 PeopleChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death per 100,000 population is 

0.007
0.01
0.00
0.01
0.007
0.01
0.007
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.017 32
0.01
0.02
0.01
0.01
0.03
0.02
0.02
0.01
0.0133
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Unintentional Male Gun DeathsChartIn the Netherlands, annual unintentional male shooting deaths total 

012
1
0
1
0
1
Compare
Unintentional Female Gun DeathsChartIn the Netherlands, annual unintentional female shooting deaths total 

012
0
0
0
0
0
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Unintentional Handgun DeathsChartIn the Netherlands, annual unintentional shooting deaths by handgun total 

014
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
214 32
1
014
114 32
014
114 32
1 
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Rate of Unintentional Handgun Death per 100,000 PeopleChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death by handgun per 100,000 population is 

0.007
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.017 32
0.01
0.007
0.017 32
0.007
0.017 32
0.01
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Unintentional Long Gun DeathsChartIn the Netherlands, annual unintentional shooting deaths by long gun total 

014
0
0
114 32
014
114 32
014
0
0
0
0
0
0
114 32
014
0
0
0
0
0 
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Rate of Unintentional Long Gun Death per 100,000 PeopleChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death by long gun per 100,000 population is 

0.007
0.00
0.00
0.017 32
0.007
0.017 32
0.007
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.017 32
0.007
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
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Unintentional Gun Deaths (Other)ChartIn the Netherlands, annual unintentional shooting deaths by firearm (other) total 

014
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
214 32
1
014
0
214 32
4
3
2
014 
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Rate of Unintentional Gun Death (Other) per 100,000 PeopleChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death by firearm (other) per 100,000 population is 

0.007
0.01
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.017 32
0.01
0.007
0.00
0.017 32
0.03
0.02
0.01
0.007
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Gun Deaths from Undetermined CauseChartIn the Netherlands, annual shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total 

014
0
0
0
0
214 34
014
114 34
1
1
1
014
114 34
014
114 34
014
014 27
114 34
2
1 
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Rate of Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 PeopleChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of unknown-cause shooting deaths per 100,000 population is 

0.007
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.017 34
0.007
0.017 34
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.007
0.017 34
0.007
0.017 34
0.007
0.00
0.01
0.017 34
0.01
0.0335
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Male Gun Deaths from Undetermined CauseChartIn the Netherlands, annual male shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total 

012
0
0
0
0
2
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Female Gun Deaths from Undetermined CauseChartIn the Netherlands, annual female shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total 

012
0
0
0
0
0
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Handgun Deaths from Undetermined CauseChartIn the Netherlands, annual deaths by handgun in which the cause remains undecided total 

014
0
0
0
0
114 34
014
0
0
114 34
014
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
114 34
014 
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Rate of Handgun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 PeopleChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of unknown-cause handgun deaths per 100,000 population is 

0.007
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.017 34
0.007
0.00
0.00
0.017 34
0.007
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.017 34
0.007
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Long Gun Deaths from Undetermined CauseChartIn the Netherlands, annual deaths by long gun in which the cause remains undecided total 

014
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 
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Rate of Long Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 PeopleChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of unknown-cause long gun deaths per 100,000 population is 

0.007
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
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Gun Deaths (Other) from Undetermined CauseChartIn the Netherlands, annual deaths by firearm (other) in which the cause remains undecided total 

014
0
0
0
0
114 34
014
114 34
1
014
114 34
014
114 34
014
114 34
014
0
114 34
1
1 
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Rate of Gun Death (Other) from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 PeopleChartIn the Netherlands, the annual rate of unknown-cause gun deaths (other) per 100,000 population is 

0.007
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.017 34
0.007
0.017 34
0.01
0.007
0.017 34
0.007
0.017 34
0.007
0.017 34
0.007
0.00
0.017 34
0.01
0.01

ProductionGun IndustryCompare
Regulation of Firearm MakersIn the Netherlands, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is prohibited36 37 38
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Small Arms Manufacture - World RankingIn a classification of the world's small, medium and major firearm manufacturers, the Netherlands was ranked 'small'39

TransfersGun Trade and TraffickingCompare
Firearm ExportsIn the Netherlands, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
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Small Arms Exports (US$) - CustomsChartThe annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from the Netherlands is reported by Customs to be US$

2016: 5,306,99551
2015: 6,407,547
2014: 17,731,887
2013: 6,558,332
2012: 9,719,782
2011: 2,094,12252
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Small Arms Exports - World RankingIn a comparison of the world's major/mid-level/minor/unknown small arms exporters, the Netherlands was categorized as 'minor'53
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Firearm ImportsIn the Netherlands, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law40 54 42 43 45 46 47 48 49
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Small Arms Imports (US$) - CustomsChartThe annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to the Netherlands is reported by Customs to be US$

2016: 143,184,36351
2015: 113,745,888
2014: 117,378,527
2013: 105,467,718
2012: 89,708,16551 55 56
2011: 55,279,28552 57
2010: 88,000,00058
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Smuggling Guns and AmmunitionReports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in the Netherlands is moderate59
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Regulation of Arms BrokersIn the Netherlands, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are specifically regulated by law60 61 62
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End User CertificatesCustoms regulations in the Netherlands include40 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use
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Transparency of Small Arms TransfersChartIn its annual Small Arms Trade Transparency Barometer, the Small Arms Survey compares public reporting among major arms exporting nations on a scale from strong to weak (25 to zero). In recent years, the Netherlands scored 

2018: 20.0063
2016: 19.2564
2014: 19.2565
2013: 19.2566
2012: 18.5067
2011: 17.0068
2010: 17.0069
2009: 16.5070
2008: 17.0071
2007: 16.5072
2006: 16.2573
2005: 17.7574
2004: 13.0075 

MeasuresGun RegulationCompare
Firearm Regulation - Guiding PolicyThe regulation of guns in the Netherlands is categorised as restrictive76
Firearm LawGuiding gun control legislation in the Netherlands includes the Wet Wapens en Munitie 1997 [Arms and Ammunition Act],77 78 Algemene Douanewet 2008 [General Customs Law], Besluit Strategische Goederen 2008 [Decree on Strategic Goods],40 the Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons,79 80 the European Union Firearms Regulation of 2012 and the Common Position on the Control of Arms Brokering of 200381
Firearm Regulation AuthorityGuns in the Netherlands are regulated by the Ministry of Justice and the local Commissioner of Police,82 and the European Commission80
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Right to Possess FirearmsIn the Netherlands, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law83 84 85
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Restricted Firearms and AmmunitionIn the Netherlands, civilians are not allowed to possess automatic and 'Category II' firearms, incendiary and armour-piercing ammunition86 87 88 89 90
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Regulation of Automatic WeaponsIn the Netherlands, private possession of fully automatic weapons is prohibited87 86 91 89 90 25
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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault WeaponsIn the Netherlands, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is prohibited87 86 91 92 93 90
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Regulation of HandgunsIn the Netherlands, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence87 89 92 93 90 25
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Law Regulates Long GunsIn the Netherlands,  civilian possession of rifles and shotguns is regulated by law25
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Gun Ownership and PossessionIn the Netherlands, only licensed gun owners86 94 95 89 92 25 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition
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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm PossessionApplicants for a gun owner’s licence in the Netherlands are required to establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example hunting, sports shooting, collection94 96 86 97
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Minimum Age for Firearm PossessionThe minimum age for gun ownership in the Netherlands is 18 years94 86 97
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Gun Owner Background ChecksAn applicant for a firearm licence in the Netherlands must pass a background check which considers criminal94 97 25 records
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Reference Required for Firearm LicenceIn the Netherlands, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required85
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Domestic Violence and FirearmsWhere a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in the Netherlands does not stipulate85 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked
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Firearm Safety TrainingIn the Netherlands, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is not required85 for a firearm licence
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Gun Owner Licensing PeriodIn the Netherlands, gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every one year94
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Limit on Number of GunsLicensed firearm owners in the Netherlands are permitted to possess any number of firearms85
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Limit on Quantity, Type of AmmunitionLicensed firearm owners in the Netherlands are permitted to possess any quantity of ammunition85 98
Firearm Registration
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Civilian Gun RegistrationIn the Netherlands, the law requires99 100 101 102 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register
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Gun Dealer Record KeepingIn the Netherlands, licensed firearm dealers are required102 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority
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State-Owned Firearm RecordsIn the Netherlands, State agencies are required100 103 to maintain records of the storage and movement of all firearms and ammunition under their control
Gun Sales and Transfers
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Regulation of Private Gun SalesIn the Netherlands, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited37
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Regulation of Dealer Gun SalesIn the Netherlands, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful37 104 105 93
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Waiting Period for Gun PossessionIn the Netherlands, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined85
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Regulation of Gun ShowsIn the Netherlands, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated85 in law
Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition
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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - PrivateFirearm regulations in the Netherlands do not include85 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners
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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - DealerFirearm regulations in the Netherlands do not include85 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers
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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - GovernmentGovernment regulations in the Netherlands include103 106  written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by state entities
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Firearm and Ammunition Transport RegulationsRegulations in the Netherlands include107 108 106 43  written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit
Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition
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Firearm MarkingIn the Netherlands, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law109 110 38 111
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Firearm TracingIn the Netherlands, state authorities carry out112 111 102 113 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures
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Ballistic Record of Firearms and AmmunitionIn the Netherlands, the ballistic characteristics of each civilian firearm and its ammunition are not85 recorded in a register
Carrying Guns
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Carrying Guns Openly in PublicIn the Netherlands, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is prohibited114 25
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Carrying Hidden Handguns in PublicIn the Netherlands, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is prohibited114 25
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Penalty for Illicit Firearm PossessionIn the Netherlands, the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm115 is no more than nine months in prison or a fine116 117
Collection, Amnesty and Destruction Programmes
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Firearms Surrendered and SeizedIn the Netherlands, the number of firearms voluntarily surrendered, bought back or seized by authorities is reported to be 

2013/16: 24,000118
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Small Arms DestroyedChartIn the Netherlands, the number of firearms destroyed following amnesty, collection and seizure programmes is reported to be 

1994/96: 143,632119
1991/2007: 143,632120
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Destruction and Disposal PolicyIn the Netherlands, it is not state policy103 121 to destroy surplus, collected and seized firearms rather than return them to the secondary arms market

MeasuresInternational Controls
Regional Agreements
European UnionAs a member of the European Union, the Netherlands is bound by the provisions of the ‘EU Firearms Directive’ – the 2007 Legislative Resolution on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons of the European Parliament122 123
European Union Export ReportingUnder the European Union Common Position on Arms Exports, the Netherlands is bound to declare its transfers of military technology and equipment. Independent monitoring provides detailed comparisons of arms export reporting compliance across EU member states, and records that the Netherlands have submitted one or more national reports124 on its arms transfers
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Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and DevelopmentThe Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development, a diplomatic initiative aimed at addressing the interrelations between armed violence and development, was signed in 2006125 by the Netherlands.
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Arms Trade TreatyThe Arms Trade Treaty has been signed and ratified126 by the Netherlands
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United Nations Firearms ProtocolThe United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has been signed and ratified127 by the Netherlands
United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA
UNPoA CommitmentOn 21 July 2001, the Netherlands committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects128
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UNPoA Implementation Monitor ScoreIn its UN small arms Programme of Action Implementation Monitor (PoAIM Phase 1), the Small Arms Survey scored the Netherlands against its commitments to the PoA, then ranked it at No. 54129 130 131 132 among 159 Member States
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UNPoA National ReportingUnder the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, the Netherlands have submitted one or more national reports133 134 on its implementation of the UNPoA
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UNPoA National Point of ContactIn the Netherlands, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated135 134
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UNPoA National Coordinating BodyIn the Netherlands, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated135
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UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and SupportIn National Reports of the Netherlands submitted to the UN from 2001 to 2010, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities was apparent135 136 134
UNPoA International Assistance – DonorFunds for UNPoA implementation have been donated134 by the Netherlands to other UN Member States
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United Nations Small Arms RegisterAccording to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, the Netherlands have declared137 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.
United Nations MembershipIn the UN List of Member States, the Netherlands have been a Member State of the United Nations since 1945138
Wassenaar ArrangementThe Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies lists139 the Netherlands as a Participating State

BackgroundCountry ProfileLink
Conflict ProfileFor a profile of conflict in the Netherlands, select the Link icon to open an external web page from the UCDP Conflict Encyclopedia at Uppsala University
Link
Global Peace IndexTo see where the Netherlands ranks, select the Link icon to open an external web page at the Global Peace Index

Short References

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108.: Netherlands.1997.‘Safety Requirements - Art. 33.’ Weapons and Ammunition Act (Wet Wapens en Munitie) 1997.The Hague:Ministry of Justice,10 July. (Q2127)Full Citation
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113.: Karp, Aaron, Nicholas Marsh and Giorgio Ravagli.2015.‘Summary of Reported International Requests for Tracing of Firearms, 2010-2013.’ UNODC Study on Firearms 2015.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),3 July. (Q10546)Full Citation
114.: Georg Schreuder Hes. 2011. ‘Gun Laws in The Netherlands.’ Radio Netherlands. 9 April. (N214) Full Citation
115.: GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Penalty for Unlawful Firearm Possession.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 22 January. (G93) Full Citation
116.: Netherlands.1997.‘Punishment Provisions - Art. 55.’ Weapons and Ammunition Act (Wet Wapens en Munitie) 1997.The Hague:Ministry of Justice,10 July. (Q2129)Full Citation
117.: European Commission.2014.‘Sanctions.’ Study to Support an Impact Assessment on Options for Combatting Illicit Firearms Trafficking in the European Union.Luxembourg:Centre for Strategy & Evaluation Services,1 July. (Q12307)Full Citation
118.: Graeme Kidd. 2015. ‘Police Seize 24,000 Weapons, Ammunition Since 2013.’ NL Times. 5 October. (N576) Full Citation
119.: Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q11758)Full Citation
120.: Karp, Aaron.2008.‘A Semi-automatic Process?: Identifying and destroying military surplus.’ Small Arms Survey 2008: Risk and Resilience.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,14 July. (Q1993)Full Citation
121.: Netherlands.2010.‘Collection and Disposal.’ National Report of the Netherlands on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York, NY:Permanent Mission of the Netherlands to the United Nations,1 January. (Q1714)Full Citation
122.: European Parliament.2007.‘Roll-call Vote: EU Firearms Directive.’ Legislative Resolution on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons.Brussels:VoteWatch.eu,29 November. (Q1346)Full Citation
123.: EU Parliament.2007.‘Draft Legislative Resolution on the EU Parliament Firearms Directive 2007.’ Report on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons.Brussels:European Parliament,12 July. (Q1970)Full Citation
124.: Saferworld.2010.‘EU Arms Transfer Reporting Database.’ Saferworld European Union Arms Transfer Reporting Database.London:Saferworld,9 December. (Q3364)Full Citation
125.: GDAV.2006.‘Geneva Declaration.’ Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development.Geneva:Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development Secretariat,7 June. (Q7162)Full Citation
126.: UNODA.2013.‘Towards Entry Into Force.’ Arms Trade Treaty.New York, NY:United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,2 April. (Q7226)Full Citation
127.: UNGA.2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York, NY:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation
128.: UNGA.2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York, NY:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation
129.: Parker, Sarah and Katherine Green.2012.‘Findings - Table 3: Reporting States by Rank and Score.’ The Programme of Action Implementation Monitor (Phase 1): Assessing Reported Progress.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,1 August. (Q8752)Full Citation
130.: Parker, Sarah and Katherine Green.2012.‘What do the PoAIM Scores Represent? How Should the PoAIM Scores Be Interpreted?.’ The Programme of Action Implementation Monitor (Phase 1): Assessing Reported Progress.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,1 August. (Q8753)Full Citation
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