Article 173a Dutch Criminal Code

Artikel 173a Wetboek van Strafrecht (Sr) – unofficial English translation

Book Two · Title VII. Serious offences endangering the general safety of persons or property

Any person who intentionally and unlawfully introduces a substance onto or into the soil, into the air or into surface water is liable:

  1. to a term of imprisonment not exceeding twelve years or a fine of the fifth category, if danger to public health or danger to life for another person is to be feared as a result;

  2. to a term of imprisonment not exceeding fifteen years or a fine of the fifth category, if danger to life for another person is to be feared as a result and the offence results in a person's death.

Unofficial translation. This English text is an unofficial translation provided for information only. Only the Dutch text is legally authentic: Artikel 173a Wetboek van Strafrecht. Checked against the Dutch text in force on 12 October 2026.

Dutch case law

24 Dutch court rulings cite this article. View the rulings (in Dutch)