No. Throwing stars (shuriken) are classified as offensive weapons under Dutch law, prohibited for public possession without valid justification. The Wet wapens en munitie (Weapons and Ammunition Act) explicitly bans their sale, import, or carrying in public spaces. Exceptions exist for licensed collectors or martial arts practitioners with prior authorization from the Politie or Justitie en Veiligheid.
Key Regulations for Throwing Stars (Shuriken) in Netherlands
- Prohibition under Weapons Act: Shuriken fall under Category IV offensive weapons, requiring a special permit (wapenvergunning) for legal possession. Unlicensed ownership risks confiscation and criminal charges under Art. 27 of the Wet wapens en munitie.
- Public Carriage Ban: Transporting shuriken in public without prior approval from local police or the Ministerie van Justitie en Veiligheid constitutes a misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to €8,700 or imprisonment.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: The Wet wapens en munitie amendment (effective 2026) tightens controls on “historical” weapons, mandating stricter registration for collectors and banning replica shuriken in public demonstrations unless pre-approved by municipal authorities.