Night and thermal vision in the Netherlands: what does the law say in 2026?

The Netherlands is among the European markets with the clearest legal frameworks regarding night-vision (*nachtkijker*) and thermal-imaging (*warmtebeeldkijker* / *thermische kijker*) devices—with one major exception: hunting. Here is exactly what Dutch law stipulates as of 2026, balancing civil liberties with strict regulation of their use in hunting.

Night vision or thermal vision: two technologies, two uses

• Light intensification (tube-based night vision, low-light amplification): the device electronically amplifies residual light (moonlight, starlight, near-infrared) to produce an image. This is the NNVT tube technology that we distribute at Silicate Systems.
• Thermal imaging: the device detects temperature differences and operates in total darkness, without any light source.

This technical distinction has little impact on Dutch law: it is usage, not technology, that determines what is permitted.

Purchase and possession for private use (personal use)

In the Netherlands, the purchase and possession of night-vision or thermal imaging devices for civilian use are unrestricted—requiring no permit or declaration and subject to no specific legal age limit beyond the age of majority. A private individual may:

• freely purchase a handheld night-vision or thermal imaging device, in-store or online;
• use it for nature observation, nocturnal birdwatching, property surveillance, navigation, or amateur astronomy;
• possess it at home without a registration requirement, provided that the device itself does not constitute a weapon or a weapon component within the meaning of the *Wet wapens en munitie* (WWM)—the Dutch Weapons and Ammunition Act.

This liberal framework ceases to apply the moment the device is intended to be mounted on a firearm—and that is where hunting presents a specific problem.

Use in hunting: a clear ban

Unlike other European countries that have recently relaxed their regulations for certain species, the Netherlands maintains a strict ban on ordinary hunting.

The legal basis: article 11.79 of the Besluit activiteiten leefomgeving

Adopted pursuant to the *Wet natuurbescherming* (Nature Conservation Act), Article 11.79 of the *Besluit activiteiten leefomgeving* (BAL) stipulates that a weapon used for hunting or population control must not be equipped with a silencer, an artificial light source, a device for illuminating game, an image-converter sight (*vizier met beeldomzetter*), an electronic image intensifier, or any other instrument intended for night shooting.

In short: mounting a night-vision or thermal imaging device on a weapon for hunting is prohibited in the context of ordinary hunting, regardless of the species being targeted.

The exception: the provincial derogation for wildlife management (*faunabeheer*)

A province may issue an *ontheffing* (exemption) or a specific mandate allowing for a departure from this general rule as part of regulated control operations—typically fox control or the management of wild boar populations when they are causing proven damage. This authorization:

• is issued by province, for a specific species, operator, location, and period;
• never automatically transfers to another province, another service provider, or another situation;
• It remains the exception, not the rule: it does not apply to the amateur hunter during a standard hunting outing.

An ongoing legislative development to watch

An amendment to the *Wet wapens en munitie* (Arms and Ammunition Act) was adopted by the *Tweede Kamer* (House of Representatives) on July 17, 2025. It aims to clarify that standard handheld night-vision devices remain freely available, whereas night-vision sights designed to be mounted on firearms remain subject to federal firearms regulations. As of the summer of 2026, the technical and regulatory implementation of this legislation had not yet been fully finalized. We recommend verifying the exact status of this legislation before making any purchase specifically intended for hunting use.

Professional use and private security

For field monitoring, wildlife observation, or the protection of private property, there are no specific restrictions on the use of handheld thermal imagers or night-vision devices (i.e., those not mounted on a weapon). The same applies to professional uses outside of hunting (such as civil protection, private security, and forest management).

Purchases from France or another EU country: customs and VAT

For a Dutch buyer ordering a device assembled in France:

• No customs formalities: the free movement of goods within the European Union applies in full. No import declarations, no customs duties.
• Dutch VAT applied directly at the time of purchase, in accordance with the European distance selling scheme.
• Origin of NNVT tubes: our NNVT image intensifier tubes, manufactured by JPNV, are not subject to US ITAR export controls—simplifying acquisition compared to US-origin devices subject to those regulations.

To learn more, consult our dedicated guide: Buying Night Vision Gear in the US or Europe in 2026: ITAR, Customs, and VAT.

Summary table

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a permit required to buy a night-vision device in the Netherlands? No. The purchase and possession of night-vision or thermal imaging devices for civilian use are unrestricted, requiring neither a permit nor a declaration.

Can I use a night-vision monocular to observe wildlife without a weapon? Yes, without any specific restrictions, whether for nature observation, property security, or astronomy.

Can I mount a thermal sight on my rifle for night hunting of wild boar? No, unless you hold a specific provincial exemption (*ontheffing*) issued as part of a wildlife management plan. Outside of this specific context, it is prohibited under Article 11.79 of the *Besluit activiteiten leefomgeving*.

Does the 2025 reform change the situation for hunters? Its primary aim is to clarify the regulatory framework governing handheld devices versus weapon-mounted sights under the *Wet wapens en munitie* (Arms and Ammunition Act). Its technical implementation was still underway as of the summer of 2026; it does not lift the hunting ban imposed by Article 11.79 of the BAL.

In summary

The Netherlands offers one of Europe's simplest regulatory frameworks for the purchase and ownership of night-vision or thermal imaging devices for civilian use—requiring no formalities whatsoever. The only clearly defined restriction concerns mounting such devices on firearms for standard hunting, which is permitted only under strictly regulated provincial exemptions. For observation, site security, or nighttime leisure activities, our LNVM monoculars and LAB-NVS binoculars can be shipped from France to the Netherlands without customs formalities.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For questions regarding specific uses—particularly concerning hunting or wildlife management—please consult a qualified legal professional or your regional hunting association (*jachtvereniging*).