Last 07 January 2013, something remarkable happened in Holland: new regulations for airsoft will take effect as the Dutch Minister of Justice signed them. With all the patience and campaign by the Dutch airsoft community, especially by the NABV, they were able to get significant concessions from a country which has strict laws on firearms. The regulations are even more liberal than other countries such as the United Kingdom.

According to NLAirsoft, here are the highlights of the new regulations:

1. No registration of airsoft device
2. Qualified members can and may import their airsoft devices from abroad. The shop only has to include a copy of NABV membership in the shipping documents for them to pass through customs.
3. Airsoft devices may have a muzzle energy of a whopping 3.5J
4. No restrictions on semi-automatic or full-automatic weapons
5. No restrictions on airsoft device type

The similarity with the UK models is the need for some registration/defence especially in the importation of airsoft guns. The seller will just need to put the NABV details for the customs to read prior to releasing it to the Dutch buyer. The muzzle energy is even more generous than many countries where airsoft is legal. Other than membership in a national association, the requirements for playing airsoft is minimal.

Of course the new regulations mandate that airsoft gun should not be displayed in public and during transport.

With the new regulation, it is finally official that the Netherlands is now a part of the global family of airsoft playing nations. They better host a big event there for other airsoft players to try out how it is to play airsoft in Holland finally.