Firearms Permit for Sports Shooters in Rotterdam
For residents of Rotterdam, a firearms permit for sports shooters provides official permission from the Chief of Police of the Rotterdam Police Unit to possess, transport, and use firearms and ammunition, but exclusively for competitive sports shooting. This permit complies with the strict Weapons and Ammunition Act and applies only to active members of recognized shooting associations in the region, such as local clubs in Rotterdam-South or around the Maasstad.
What is a firearms permit for sports shooters?
The personal firearms permit (PWB) for sports shooters enables Rotterdam shooters to legally purchase and use firearms at recognized shooting ranges. It is not an unlimited right but is subject to strict conditions. Firearms may only be used for training and competitions in disciplines such as small-bore, large-bore, or pistol shooting. Unlike recreational shooting, it requires competition participation with a DSC-recognized association. Without a permit, you risk seizure, fines up to €9,000, or imprisonment.
Legal basis
The rules are set out in the Weapons and Ammunition Act (WAA), particularly Article 11 for the personal permit and Article 12 for sports shooters. Ministerial decrees specify disciplines and calibers. The Chief of Police Rotterdam decides, advised by the CDPD. The Weapons Act 2024 has tightened requirements for storage and transport.
- Art. 11 WAA: Permit for active sports shooting.
- Art. 18 WAA: Prohibition without permission.
- Art. 55 WAA: Penalties for violations.
Conditions for a firearms permit in Rotterdam
Residents of Rotterdam must meet these criteria:
- At least 18 years old.
- Membership of a ministerially recognized shooting association (at least 1 uninterrupted year).
- At least 18 shooting sessions per year (70% attendance at competitions).
- Submit a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).
- Medical examination by a police-designated doctor.
- Approved firearms safe, possibly shared with the association.
- No criminal record posing risks.
For pistols/revolvers, additional requirements apply for IPSC or 25m shooting.
Application procedure for residents of Rotterdam
The procedure takes approximately 26 weeks and is handled via your local shooting association:
- Join a Rotterdam recognized club and shoot actively for 1 year.
- Gather VOG, medical examination, membership proof, and passport photos.
- Association submits application to Chief of Police Rotterdam.
- Police verifies: home visit, background check.
- Decision within 26 weeks; appeal to Chief of Police or Rotterdam District Court.
Costs: €50-€100 application + €200-€300 examination.
Rights and obligations
Rights:
- Max. 5 firearms (up to 10 for elite athletes).
- Transport to range in locked case (unloaded).
- Use only at range under supervision.
Obligations:
- 24/7 storage in SKG***-rated safe.
- Annual report on ammunition and competitions to police.
- Report loss/theft immediately (Art. 14 WAA).
- No alcohol/drugs at the range.
Practical examples from Rotterdam
Example 1: Jan, 25, member of Shooting Association Rotterdam for 1.5 years. Weekly small-bore shooting. With VOG and examination, he receives PWB for .22 pistol. Transported unloaded, stored at home in safe.
Example 2: Maria wants large-bore for hunting, but that does not fit sports shooters. Rejected; switch to hunting permit.
Example 3: Pieter misses reporting; permit revoked, firearms seized. Restored after fine and course.
Comparison of firearms permits
| Type | For whom? | Number of firearms | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports Shooters (PWB) | Competition shooters | Max. 5-10 | Shooting range only |
| Hunters | Hunting association | Max. 5 | Hunting grounds |
| Collectors | Collectors | Unlimited (not ready to fire) | Display |
| Professional (BM) | Security personnel | 1-2 | Work |
Tips for residents of Rotterdam
- Build up membership early for attendance proof.
- Purchase SKG***-rated safe (€500).
- Take safety course at local association.
- Keep documents digital/physical.
- On moving within Rotterdam: report within 5 days to police and Municipality of Rotterdam.
- Contact Rotterdam Legal Aid Office for appeal assistance or basic advice on firearm possession.
Related topics: illegal firearm possession, Dutch firearms legislation.