Netherlands to introduce mandatory psychological evaluation for firearm permits

The Cabinet is amending the law on weapons and ammunition. This will, at the very least, make a psychological assessment mandatory for people who want or already possess a firearms permit, VVD Minister David van Weel of Justice and Security wrote to parliament. He is also considering stricter rules for storing weapons at home and new requirements for weapons knowledge.

A few years ago, people wishing to use a weapon were required to take an e-screener, a digital psychological test. This was scrapped following objections from the shooting sports organization KNSA, among others. Experts also insisted that psychological experts need to be involved in such assessments.

The core of the Weapons and Ammunition Act will remain the same. In principle, citizens are not allowed to possess weapons. This is permitted in specific cases, for example, for hunting, sport, or in museums. The government determines these rules.

On that point, the current rules are insufficient because associations are allowed to make certain decisions regarding weapon ownership, Van Weel said. The amended law will no longer permit this.

Another fundamental principle will be that people must pay for damage caused by their weapons. This is “so that victims are better protected and societal costs are attributed more fairly.”

All in all, the law needs to become clearer and more coherent, the Minister said. “The current law is complex and unclear.”

Van Weel intends to publish his amendments for comment in the first half of next year and present them to parliament at the end of next year.