Pepper Spray Laws

Below are pepper spray laws and restrictions that we are aware of. You should check locally if you believe pepper spray may be restricted in your area.

States with Pepper Spray Shipping Restrictions

New York: New York residents may only purchase defense sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers or licensed Pharmacists in that state.

Massachusetts: Massachusetts residents may only purchase defense sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers in that state.

States Where Pepper Sprays are Restricted (incomplete list)

Michigan: Pepper spray must not be more than 10% and can be used for self defense. "The reasonable use of a self-defense spray or foam device containing not more than 10% oleoresin capsicum by a person in the protection of a person or property under circumstances that would justify the person's use of physical force."
 
Wisconsin (REPEALED IN 2012): Tear gas is not permissible. By regulation, OC products with a maximum OC concentration of 10% and weight range of oleoresin of capsicum and inert ingredients of 15-60 grams are authorized. This is 1/2 oz. and 2 oz. spray. Further, the product cannot be camouflaged, and must have a safety feature designed to prevent accidental discharge. The units may not have an effective range of over 20 feet and must have an effective range of six feet. In addition there are certain labeling and packaging requirements: must state cannot sell to anyone under 18 and the phone number of the manufacturer has to be on the label. The units must also be sold in sealed tamper-proof packages.

NOTE: Pepper Spray is legal in all 50 states, however a number of cities and states have restrictions on sizes, strengths, etc. If you have a question, it is wise to check with you local city or state attorneys office. Defense sprays should only be purchased by those 18 years of age or older. The above list may not be totally accurate or complete and accepts no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness.

U.S. Federal Law for Pepper Sprays

 

• Cannot bring pepper spray into secured government facilities.

• TSA limitations on pepper spray: must be sealed, 4oz or less and be in checked luggage.

Pepper Spray Laws Outside U.S.

Pepper spray is considered a "dangerous weapon" in several countries outside the United States. Many countries only allow local law enforcement agencies or police auxiliary units to have access to it. Other countries either have specific restrictions (such as size of canister or type of spray) or make them completely legal. 

PEPPER SPRAY RESTRICTIONS BY COUNTRY

LEGAL	RESTRICTED	ILLEGAL
AUSTRIA	FINLAND	BANGALADESH
CZECH REPUBLIC	FRANCE	BELGIUM
INDIA	GERMANY	CHINA
ISRAEL	HUNGARY	DENMARK
LATVIA	ITALY	GREECE
MALAYSIA	JAPAN	HONG KONG
MONGOLIA	PORTUGAL	IRAN
POLAND	ROMANIA	IRELAND
PHILIPPINES	SLOVAKIA	MALTA
SAUDI ARABIA	THAILAND	NORWAY
SERBIA		SINGAPORE
SOUTH AFRICA		SWEDEN
SWITZERLAND		THE NETHERLANDS
TAIWAN		TURKEY
		UNITED KINGDOM
		VIETNAM