No, balisongs are classified as wapen (weapons) under Dutch law, requiring a valid wapenvergunning (weapon permit) for possession, which is rarely issued for civilian use. Recent 2026 amendments to the Wet wapens en munitie (Weapons and Ammunition Act) explicitly target folding knives with concealed blades, including balisongs, tightening enforcement by the Politie (Dutch Police) and Justitie (Ministry of Justice and Security). Unlicensed possession risks confiscation and criminal charges under Article 28 of the Act.
Key Regulations for Butterfly Knives (Balisongs) in Netherlands
- Prohibited Without Permit: Balisongs are banned for public possession without a wapenvergunning, which mandates proof of necessity (e.g., professional use) and a clean criminal record. The Politie conducts spot checks, particularly in urban areas like Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
- Blade Length and Concealment: Even licensed balisongs must comply with blade length restrictions (max 6 cm for folding knives) and cannot be carried in public without justification. The 2026 amendments criminalize “easily concealable” designs, including balisongs with spring-assisted opening mechanisms.
- Online and Import Restrictions: Selling or importing balisongs without a wapenvergunning is illegal under EU customs regulations enforced by the Douane (Dutch Customs). Retailers must register with the Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur (RDI) and report sales to authorities.