Today I received my permit from Dutch Customs for transport of firearms through AMS to JRO on June 28th. The fax cover sheet asked that I "please attach a copy of this permit to your luggage in which you carry your firearms and/or ammunition". I checked my prior two Dutch permits (last one in 2007) and there was no such requirement. Is this new? I don't have a problem complying with the request but I seem to remember that there was a rule prohibiting labeling any luggage as containing firearms. I checked NWA's, KLM's and HSA's websites and can't find anything other than a prohibition on labeling luggage as containing "explosives", so maybe my memory is faulty.

Anyone dealt with this?

Thanks,

Richard

Hi Richard

I advised Northwest and KLM of this requirement by Dutch Customs and also advised them that about the rule prohibiting labeling any luggage as containing firearms and ammunition. To date have not had a reply from them but will follow up and see what I can find.

In the meantime I would suggest you put a copy of the permits inside the guncase and when you check in at the airport show check in agent the fax from customs regarding their requirement and ask them if they are happy that you attach it to the outside of the guncase. If they say yes go ahead then do it. Have an airline employee make the decision - don't forget to get name of employee!

Of course always carry a copy of the permit with you so you can show it to customs if they do ask you in Amsterdam.

Have great trip.

Steve

Steve:

Thanks for looking into this. I appreciate your help.

Regards,

Hi Richard

With the help of Barbara Crown at the Hunting Report we are trying to get to the bottom of this, however, in the meantime I received this reply from NWA :

Thank you for contacting nwa.com.
>
>I understand you are inquiring about the paperwork for your firearms.
>Do not attach any information to the gun case. Please have a copy of
>the permit and ask the TSA agent to assist you at the airport.
>
>Northwest accepts handguns, BB guns, rifles, and shotgun type firearms
>as checked baggage only. For complete details, please visit
>http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/specialitems.html#fire
>
>If you have additional questions concerning your baggage, please
>contact Reservations at 1-800-225-2525.
>
>I trust this information is helpful to you regarding your travel plans.
>
>Thank you for choosing Northwest Airlines, now part of Delta Air Lines.
>We value your patronage and consider it a privilege to serve your
>travel needs.
>
Steve

I would also carry an envelope and some tape, and an extra set of paperwork so in case someone insists that you attach it to the guncase.

Then you have all bases covered.

I just got back from RSA and my flight went through Amsterdam on the way down. I taped a zip lock bag containing a copy of the Dutch Transit Permit to the TuffPack and to the ammo box. Seemed to have worked as everything arrived.

I always put an extra set of paperwork in the containers and a spare lock.

Thanks to everyone for their advice and help. The Hunting Report has confirmed with Dutch Customs that the new "requirement" contained in my fax cover sheet was a "mistake" and that attaching a copy of the permit to the baggage is not required.