Netherlands
The law places full restrictions on airsoft firearms rendering possession illegal. When one looks at the Dutch law on this subject, airsoft is not explicitly mentioned and the characteristics of airsoft firearms would place the firearms in Category IV of the Dutch gun laws (legal to own and operate without a license). However, the Dutch Ministry of Justice can make exceptions, which it has for airsoft firearms. The reason given for this is that the firearms look so realistic that they can be used for intimidation and police might react with too much force when they encounter an airsoft firearm (use force like it is a real gun). Therefore, airsoft firearms that are 1:1 replicas and/or realistic have been placed in Category I (illegal without any possibility of acquiring a permit).
The sport itself has the same legal status as paintball, but since Airsoft players prefer 1:1 realistic replicas, a lot of Dutch players travel to Belgium instead.
Recently though, a Dutch airsoft association called NABV (Nederlandse Airsoft Belangen Vereniging/Dutch Airsoft Interests Association) has managed to get a confirmation from the Dutch Ministry of Justice that the STAR Ika Zuchi AEG is not considered a replica that can be used for intimidation, making it one of the first airsoft guns which can legally sold and owned in the Netherlands. Unlike most Airsoft guns, it is not a realistic weapon, but an adult sized science fiction style rifle.
On january 25th of 2012 the Minister of the Justice Department (Ministerie van Justitie) has sent a proposal to the Dutch Parliament (tweede kamer der staten generaal) in which he proposes to end the illegality of airsoft firearms, by placing them explicitly in Category IV, with some provisions due to their realistic nature. These provisions include - but are not limited to - registration, and storage in a real firearms locker at home, as is the norm for real firearms. This does not change the current status, but it does open the door to a change in the near future.
Read more about this topic: Legal Issues In Airsoft
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