No, collecting feathers in the Netherlands is prohibited under the Flora and Fauna Act (Flora- en faunawet) unless explicitly permitted. The Dutch government enforces strict biodiversity protections, classifying feathers as protected wildlife products. Exceptions require permits from the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV), with stringent documentation proving non-commercial or scientific purposes. Recent 2026 compliance shifts tighten enforcement, particularly for migratory bird species under EU directives.
Key Regulations for Collecting Feathers in Netherlands
- Protected Species Ban: All feathers from native or migratory birds (e.g., gulls, ducks, birds of prey) are protected under the Flora and Fauna Act. Collecting them without a permit constitutes a criminal offense, punishable by fines up to €20,750 or imprisonment.
- Permit Requirements: Permits for feather collection are issued only for scientific research, educational, or conservation purposes. Applicants must submit detailed project proposals to the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV), demonstrating minimal ecological impact.
- EU and International Compliance: The Netherlands adheres to the EU Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) and the CITES Convention. Importing or exporting feathers without CITES documentation is illegal, with customs authorities (Douane) conducting random inspections at borders.