Reader question, asked May 2026
Short answer: Not as a private person. You can’t legally do it without permits on both ends. Buy through a licensed Dutch dealer instead.
The details
- Exporting a gun from the US requires a federal export license. Most firearms fall under Commerce Department rules. You can’t just mail or ship one overseas.
- The Netherlands requires a police-issued license to own a firearm. Sport shooters normally need active membership in a shooting club first. Importing a gun also requires a permit.
- The practical route is a licensed Dutch firearms dealer (wapenhandelaar) once you hold the right license.
- Your local shooting club can walk you through getting licensed.
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