Firearms Permit for Sport Shooters in Tilburg

Firearms Permit for Sport Shooters in Tilburg

For sport shooters in Tilburg, the firearms permit for sport shooters provides official permission from the Chief Constable of Oost-Brabant Police to possess, transport, and use firearms and ammunition—but exclusively for competitive sports. This permit falls under the Weapons and Ammunition Act and is available only to active members of recognized shooting clubs in the region, such as those around Tilburg.

What does a firearms permit for sport shooters cover?

The personal firearms permit (PWB) for sport shooters allows Tilburg shooters to legally purchase and use firearms at recognized shooting ranges. It is not an unlimited right but subject to strict conditions. Use is restricted to training and competitions in disciplines like small-caliber, large-caliber, or pistol shooting. Recreational shooting does not qualify; membership in a DSC-recognized club is essential. Without a permit, you risk weapon seizure in Tilburg, fines up to €9,000, or imprisonment.

Legal basis

The rules are set out in the Weapons and Ammunition Act (Wwm), particularly Article 11 (personal permit) and Article 12 (sport shooter conditions). Ministerial decrees specify disciplines and calibers. The Chief Constable of Oost-Brabant Police decides, advised by the CDPD. Under the Weapons Act 2024, stricter standards apply in Tilburg for storage and transport.

• Art. 11 Wwm: Permit for active competitive sports.
• Art. 18 Wwm: Prohibition without permit.
• Art. 55 Wwm: Penalties for violations.

Requirements for applicants in Tilburg

Tilburg residents must meet these criteria:

1. At least 18 years old.
2. Member of a ministerially recognized shooting club (at least 1 year).
3. Active shooting: at least 18 times per year, 70% attendance.
4. Submit Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
5. Medical examination by police doctor (no risks).
6. Approved firearms safe, possibly shared with the club.
7. Clean criminal record, no threat to public order in Tilburg.

For pistols/revolvers: additional requirements for IPSC or 25m shooting.

Application process in Tilburg

The process takes about 26 weeks and runs through your local club:

1. Join a recognized Tilburg club and shoot actively for 1 year.
2. Gather: VOG, medical exam, membership proof, passport photos.
3. Club submits application to Chief Constable of Oost-Brabant Police.
4. Police verifies: possible home visit in Tilburg, background check.
5. Decision within 26 weeks; appeal to Chief Constable or District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant (Breda location).

Costs: €50-€100 application, €200-€300 examination. Get free advice from Tilburg Legal Aid Office.

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 Wwm).
• No alcohol/drugs at the range.

Practical examples from Tilburg

Example 1: Jan from Tilburg, 25 years old, 1.5 years member of Shooting Club 'De Vrije Schutter' Tilburg. After VOG and exam, he receives PWB for .22 pistol. Unloaded transport to range, stored in safe at home.

Example 2: Maria from Tilburg wants large-caliber for hunting, but that does not fit sport shooter PWB. Denied; switch to hunting permit.

Example 3: Pieter from Tilburg misses reporting; permit revoked, weapons confiscated. Restored after fine and course.

Comparison of firearms permits

Tips for sport shooters in Tilburg

• Build attendance early at a local club.
• Purchase SKG***-rated safe (€500).
• Take local safety course.
• Keep documents organized.
• Moving? Notify Oost-Brabant Police and Tilburg Municipality within 5 days.
• For appeals: Tilburg Legal Aid Office or Breda District Court.

More info: firearms possession, illegal firearms possession.

Frequently asked questions