Collecting World War II Firearms in EU-DECO.

Collecting World War II firearms is a popular hobby among military history and weapons technology enthusiasts. However, do you want to This activity is strictly regulated, especially in the Netherlands and the rest of the European Union. The collecting permit WM18 and EU deactivation certificates play a crucial role here.

WM18 Collective Leave: What is it and why do you need it?
To collect still working firearms then you need to bear in mind that in the Netherlands, WWII firearms fall under the Weapons and Ammunition Act (WWM). This law regulates the possession and use of firearms, including historic WWII weapons. Collecting such weapons requires a collector's permit, known as WM18.

What does a WM18 collector's permit entail?
A WM18 collector's permit is issued by the police and allows the holder to legally possess a collection of specific firearms. The permit is specifically for collecting activities and requires the applicant to demonstrate that he or she is a serious collector with knowledge of the weapons in question. The permit is not for using the weapons, but only for collecting and displaying them.

Requirements for obtaining a WM18 collector's permit:

1. A clear collecting objective. The collector must submit a plan explaining the historical, cultural, or technical value of the collection.
2. A good reputation. The applicant must be of impeccable conduct and have no criminal record relevant to gun ownership.
3. Safe storage. The weapons must be safely stored according to the stipulated requirements, such as an approved gun safe.
4. Periodic checking. The police conduct regular checks to ensure that the collection meets the legal requirements.
5. Every newly acquired weapon will have to be credited to the register. To do so, an appointment must be made at the police station. This will incur costs such as an administration fee of €30.00. Applying for the collection permit costs €138.20 and the compulsory annual renewal of the permit costs €68.20.

A second, much less cumbersome and less costly way is to collect weapons of war that have been deactivated according to EU DECO rules, which is also called demilitarised or demil for short.

What does deactivation of firearms mean according to EU DECO rules?
Deactivation involves modifying a firearm so that it can no longer fire. This process must be carried out by a recognised gunmaker or authority and is confirmed by issuing an official certificate. Deactivation or disabling usually includes blocking the barrel, disabling the firing pin, and other interventions that render the weapon unusable. Besides the WM18 collector's permit, the EU deactivation certificate plays an essential role for collectors. A deactivation certificate proves that a firearm has been permanently deactivated according to strict EU guidelines.

Why is an EU deactivation certificate needed?
An EU deactivation certificate is essential to legally own a deactivated weapon within the European Union. The certificate ensures that the weapon is not subject to the same strict regulations as a functional firearm, making it easier to collect, trade, and display.

The combination of WM18 and EU Deactivation.
When obtaining a collector's permit, the collector will not be allowed to possess all types of weapons for the first three years. The possession of so-called category 2 weapons will be allowed to the WM18 collector only after he or she has been actively engaged in the collecting project for three years and there have been no incidents. Cat2 firearms are machine guns, fully automatic-firing weapons such as an AK47, for example.

Combining a WM18 collection permit with EU
deactivation certificates allows collectors to build an extensive and historically valuable collection while staying within the legal framework. This not only avoids legal problems, but also contributes to the safety of the collector and society.

Conclusion:
Collecting World War II firearms is a fascinating and rewarding hobby, but it requires strict compliance with legislation. Obtaining a WM18 collecting permit and having EU deactivation certificates are essential steps to ensure that this hobby can be pursued in a safe and legal manner. By following these rules, collectors can live their passion for military history safely and responsibly. Collecting EU DECO weapons is not bound by rules such as a gun safe, periodic inspection. Indeed, EU DECO deactivated weapons can simply be displayed in your living room or mancave. Want to know more about collecting EU DECO weapons? Then check out the 50 questions about EU DECO.