Editing Pepper spray (section)

===Europe===
* [[Austria]]: Pepper spray is classified as a self-defense device, they may be owned and carried by adults without registration or permission. Justified use against humans as self-defense is allowed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pepper Spray Laws |url=https://www.geisler-defence.com/pepper-spray-laws |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=Geisler Defence - Pepper Gun GD-105 |language=en}}</ref> 
* [[Belgium]]: Pepper spray is classified as a prohibited weapon.
** Possession is illegal for anyone other than police officers, police agents (assistant police officers),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.just.fgov.be/nl_htm/rechterlijke_orde/wapenwet/|title=Nieuwe wapenwet (New Gun Law)|access-date=2008-04-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224080312/http://just.fgov.be/|archive-date=2012-12-24|url-status=live}}</ref> security officers of public transport companies, soldiers and customs officers to carry a capsicum spray. It is also authorised after obtaining permission from the [[Minister of the Interior (Belgium)|Minister of Internal Affairs]].<ref>[[Royal order (Belgium)|K.B.]] of 10 June 2006 tot regeling van het model, de inhoud, de wijze van dragen en het gebruik van spuitbussen en handboeien door de leden van de veiligheidsdiensten van de openbare vervoersmaatschappijen ([[Belgian official journal|B.S.]] 20 June 2006.</ref>
* [[Gun politics in the Czech Republic|Czech Republic]]: Possession and carrying is legal. 
** Police also encourage vulnerable groups like pensioners, children, and women to carry pepper spray.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.policie.cz/clanek/prevence-prepadeni.aspx |title=Prevence přepadení |publisher=Policie České republiky – KŘP Královéhradeckého kraje (Police of the Czech Republic - Hradec Kralove region KRP) |language=cs |trans-title=Prevention of assault |access-date=2012-03-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102211945/http://www.policie.cz/clanek/prevence-prepadeni.aspx |archive-date=2013-11-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
** Carrying at public demonstrations and into court buildings is illegal (pepper spray as well as other weapons may be left with armed guard upon entry of a courthouse).
* [[Denmark]]: Pepper spray is generally illegal to own.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://politi.dk/vaaben/information-om-vaaben/peberspray|publisher=The Danish Police|language=da|access-date=2022-05-25|title=Peberspray {{pipe}} Våben {{pipe}} Politi|archive-date=2022-10-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003123741/https://politi.dk/vaaben/information-om-vaaben/peberspray|url-status=dead}}</ref> 
*  [[Finland]]: Possession of pepper spray requires a license. 
** Licenses are issued for defensive purposes and to individuals working jobs where such a device is needed such as the private security sector.<ref>{{cite journal |title=How your gun permit applications are considered |website=blog.anta.net |date=2007-10-21 |url=http://blog.anta.net/2007/10/21/how-your-gun-permit-applications-are-considered/#sprays |issn=1797-1993 |access-date=2008-03-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080703212415/http://blog.anta.net/2007/10/21/how-your-gun-permit-applications-are-considered/#sprays |archive-date=2008-07-03 }}</ref> 
*[[France]]: It is legal for anyone over the age of 18 to buy pepper spray in an armory or military surplus store.
** It is classified as a Category D Weapon in French law and if the aerosol contains more than {{cvt|100|ml|floz}}, it is classed as an offensive weapon; possession in a public place can be punished by confiscation and a fine. 
*** However, if it contains less than {{cvt|100|ml|floz}}, while still a Category 6 Weapon, it is not classed as a punishable offense for the purposes of the Weapons law. Upon control, it will be confiscated and a verbal warning might be issued{{Citation needed|date=October 2021}}.
*  [[Germany]]: Pepper sprays labeled ''for the purpose of defense against animals'' may be owned and carried by all citizens regardless of age. Such sprays are not legally considered as weapons [http://bundesrecht.juris.de/waffg_2002/__1.html §1]. Carrying it at (or on the way to and from) [[Demonstration (people)|demonstrations]] may still be punished.<ref>[http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/versammlg/__2.html §2] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725114008/http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/versammlg/__2.html |date=2011-07-25 }} VersammlG.</ref> 
** Sprays that are not labelled "animal-defence spray" or do not bear the test mark of the {{ill|Materialprüfungsanstalt|de}} (MPA, material testing institute) are classified as prohibited weapons. 
*** Justified use against humans as self-defense is allowed.<ref>[http://bundesrecht.juris.de/stgb/__32.html §32] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605074900/http://bundesrecht.juris.de/stgb/__32.html |date=2011-06-05 }} StGB</ref> 
** CS sprays bearing a test mark of the MPA may be owned and carried by anyone over the age of 14.<ref name="weapons">[http://www.sachsen.de/de/bf/staatsregierung/ministerien/smi/smi/1181.htm?http://www.sachsen.de/de/bf/staatsregierung/ministerien/smi/smi/schwer/4698.htm&http://www.sachsen.de/de/bf/staatsregierung/ministerien/smi/smi/schwer/575.htm Ministerium des Inneren] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070516195724/http://www.sachsen.de/de/bf/staatsregierung/ministerien/smi/smi/1181.htm?http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sachsen.de%2Fde%2Fbf%2Fstaatsregierung%2Fministerien%2Fsmi%2Fsmi%2Fschwer%2F4698.htm&http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sachsen.de%2Fde%2Fbf%2Fstaatsregierung%2Fministerien%2Fsmi%2Fsmi%2Fschwer%2F575.htm |date=2007-05-16 }} on ''Weapon Laws'' (German).</ref>
* [[Greece]]: Such items are illegal. They will be confiscated and possession may result in detention and arrest.<ref>{{cite web|title=Greece|url=https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/greece.html|website=travel.state.gov|language=en|access-date=2017-11-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117012545/https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/greece.html|archive-date=2017-11-17|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Hungary]]: Such items are reserved for law enforcement (including civilian members of the [[auxiliary police]]).
** Civilians may carry canisters filled with maximum {{convert|20|g|oz}} of any other [[lachrymatory agent]].
*** However, there is no restriction for pepper [[gas pistol]] cartridges.<ref>[http://net.jogtar.hu/jr/gen/hjegy_doc.cgi?docid=A0300175.KOR 175/2003. (X. 28.) Korm. rendelet a közbiztonságra különösen veszélyes eszközökről] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721111134/http://net.jogtar.hu/jr/gen/hjegy_doc.cgi?docid=A0300175.KOR |date=2011-07-21 }}.</ref>
* [[Iceland]]: Possession of pepper spray is illegal for private citizens. 
** Police officers and customs officers carry it. Coast guardsmen as well as prison officers have access to it. 
** Members of the riot police use larger pepper-spray canisters than what is used by a normal police officer. 
* [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]: Possession of this spray by persons other the [[Garda Síochána]] (national police) is an offence under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Firearms_and_ammunition |title=The Department of Justice and Equality: Firearms & Ammunition |access-date=2013-01-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116101532/http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Firearms_and_ammunition |archive-date=2013-01-16 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Italy]]: Any citizen over 16 years of age without a [[criminal record]] could possess, carry and purchase any OC-based compounds and personal defence devices that respond to the following criteria:
** Containing a payload not exceeding {{cvt|20|ml|floz}}, with a percentage of Oleoresin Capsicum not exceeding 10% and a maximum concentration of [[capsaicin]] and capsaicinoid substances not exceeding 2,5%;
** Containing no flammable, corrosive, toxic or carcinogenic substances, and no other aggressive chemical compound than OC itself;
** Being sealed when sold and featuring a safety device against accidental discharge;
** Featuring a range not exceeding {{cvt|3|m|ft}}.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.interno.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/it/assets/files/21/0491_regolamento_strumenti_autodofesa.pdf|title= Regolamento concernente la definizione delle caratteristiche tecniche degli strumenti di autodifesa che nebulizzano un principio attivo naturale a base di Oleoresin Capsicum e che non abbiano attitudine a recare offesa alla persona, in attuazione dell'articolo 3, comma 32, della legge n. 94/2009. (11G0142) (GU n. 157 del 8-7-2011)|publisher= Ministero dell'Interno (Italian Ministry of Interior)|date= 2012-06-01|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120511025748/http://www.interno.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/it/assets/files/21/0491_regolamento_strumenti_autodofesa.pdf|archive-date= 2012-05-11}}</ref>
* [[Latvia]]: Pepper spray is classified as a self-defense device. 
** It can be bought and carried by anyone over 16 years of age. 
** Pepper spray handguns can be bought and carried without any license by anyone over 18.
* [[Lithuania]]: Classified as D category weapon, but can be bought and carried by anyone over 18 years of age (without registration nor permission).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/TAIS.159542/asr | title=IX-705 Lietuvos Respublikos ginklų ir šaudmenų kontrolės įstatymas }}</ref>
** Issued as auxiliary service device to [[Lithuanian Police Force|police]].
** Police also encourages vulnerable groups like pensioners or women to carry one.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.lrytas.lt/gyvenimo-budas/psichologija/2020/09/27/news/tamsus-paros-metas-ilgeja-pasake-geriausia-priemone-apsiginti-nuo-plesiku-16423456 | title=Tamsus paros metas ilgėja: Pasakė geriausią priemonę apsiginti nuo plėšikų }}</ref>
* [[Montenegro]]: It is legal for civilians over the age of 16 to buy, own and carry pepper spray but it is illegal to carry it in a way that it is shown to other people in public spaces or disturb people with it in any way. You are allowed to use it as a self-defense tool if needed.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.katalogpropisa.me/propisi-crne-gore/zakon-o-oruzju-2/ | title=Zakon o oružju }}</ref>
* [[Netherlands]]: It is illegal for civilians to own and carry pepper spray. 
** Only police officers trained in the specific use of pepper spray are allowed to carry and use it against civilians and animals.
* [[Norway]]: It is illegal for civilians. 
** Police officers are allowed to carry pepper spray as part of their standard equipment.
* [[Poland]]: Called precisely in [[Polish Penal Code]] "a hand-held disabling gas thrower", sprays are not considered a weapon.
** They can be carried by anyone without further registration or permission.<ref>{{cite book|title=Ustawa o broni i aminucji|publisher=Marszałek Sejmu Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej|pages=art. 11|url=http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/DetailsServlet?id=WDU20040520525|access-date=5 May 2011|language=pl|chapter=Rozdział 2. Zasady i warunki wydawania, cofania pozwoleń na broń, rejestracji broni oraz dysponowania bronią i amunicją|date=2004-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128025126/http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/DetailsServlet?id=WDU20040520525|archive-date=28 January 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Portugal]]: Civilians who do not have criminal records are allowed to get police permits to purchase from gun shops, carry, and use OC sprays with a maximum concentration of 5%.{{Citation needed|date=February 2012}}
* [[Romania]]: Pepper spray is banned at sporting and cultural events, public transportation and entertainment locations (according to Penal Code 2012, art 372, (1), c).
* [[Russia]]: It is classified as a self-defense weapon and can be carried by anyone over 18.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zakonrf.info/zoboruzhii/3/|title=Статья 3 Закон об Оружии. Гражданское оружие - Кодексы и Законы РФ + Судебная практика|access-date=2012-12-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129010630/http://www.zakonrf.info/zoboruzhii/3/|archive-date=2012-11-29|url-status=live}}</ref> 
** Use against humans is legal. 
*** OC is not the only legal agent used. CS, CR, [[4-Nonanoylmorpholine|PAM (МПК)]], and (rarely) CN are also legal<ref>{{cite web|url=http://base.garant.ru/12163415/|title=Приказ Министерства здравоохранения и социального развития РФ от 22.10.2008 N 583н "О разрешении к применению слезоточивых и раздражающих веществ в составе патронов к газовому оружию, механических распылителей, аэрозольных и других устройств гражданского оружия самообороны"|access-date=2012-12-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020104834/http://base.garant.ru/12163415/|archive-date=2012-10-20|url-status=live}}</ref> and highly popular.
* [[Serbia]]: Pepper spray is legal under the new law as of 2016 and can be carried by anyone over the age of 16. Use against humans in self-defence is legal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politika.rs/rubrike/Hronika/Gasni-sprej-i-elektrosoker-dozvoljeni-po-novom-zakonu.lt.html|title=Гасни спреј и електрошокер дозвољени по новом закону|first=Данијела|last=Вукосављевић|access-date=2015-08-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730075759/http://www.politika.rs/rubrike/Hronika/Gasni-sprej-i-elektrosoker-dozvoljeni-po-novom-zakonu.lt.html|archive-date=2015-07-30|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Slovakia]]: It is classified as a self-defense weapon.
** It is available to anyone over 18.
** The police recommend its use.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.minv.sk/?tlacove-spravy-2&sprava=kazda-zena-sa-moze-stat-obetou-trestneho-cinu-budte-preto-opatrne-a-pripravene|title=Každá žena sa môže stať obeťou trestného činu, buďte preto opatrné a pripravené|access-date=2017-06-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826235618/http://www.minv.sk/?tlacove-spravy-2&sprava=kazda-zena-sa-moze-stat-obetou-trestneho-cinu-budte-preto-opatrne-a-pripravene|archive-date=2017-08-26|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Spain]]: Approved pepper spray made with 5% CS is available to anyone older than 18 years.
** OC pepper spray, recently adopted for some civilian use (e.g., one of {{convert|22|g|oz|disp=sqbr}}, with no registration DGSP-07-22-SDP, is approved by the Ministry of Health and Consumption).
* [[Sweden]]: Requires weapons licence, essentially always illegal to carry in public or private.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dt.se/artikel/blaljus/behover-man-licens-for-pepparspray |title=Behöver man licens för pepparspray? |date=24 April 2013 |access-date=2018-07-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727115331/https://www.dt.se/artikel/blaljus/behover-man-licens-for-pepparspray |archive-date=2018-07-27 |url-status=live }}</ref> Issued as supplementary service weapon to police.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://polisen.se/Lagar-och-regler/Vapen/Knivar-med-mera/|title=Knivar och andra farliga föremål|last=Polisen|access-date=2017-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208091542/https://polisen.se/Lagar-och-regler/Vapen/Knivar-med-mera/|archive-date=2015-12-08|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Switzerland]]: Pepper spray in Switzerland is subject to the Chemicals Legislation. It may only be distributed to buyers above 18 years of age upon showing ID. Self-service is not permitted and the customer ought to be made aware of safe storage, use and disposal. The vendor needs to possess the "Know-how for the distribution of particularly hazardous chemicals". Potential mailing has to be shipped by registered courier with the remark "to addressee only". The products must be classified and labeled at least an irritant (Xi;R36/37). Regulations for aerosol packages need to be observed. Sprays with [[Greenhouse gas|greenhouse]] relevant propellants such as R134a (1,1,1,2-Tetrafluorethan) are banned.  Spray products for self-defense with irritants such as CA, CS, CN, CR are classified as weapons. A weapon purchase permit, as well as a weapon carrier permit, are required for their purchase. In 2009, the Swiss Army introduced for the military personnel the ''irritant atomizer 2000'' (RSG-2000) and is introduced during watch functions. The military bearer permit is granted after half a day of training.[[File:Swedish riot police at nationalist demo.jpg|thumb|Police, like this Swedish police officer in riot gear at a 2007 demonstration, may use pepper spray to control civilians.]]

* [[Ukraine]]: Called legally "Tearing and irritating aerosols (gas canisters)", sprays are not considered a weapon and can be carried by anyone over 18 without further registration or permission. It is classified as a self-defense device.<ref>{{cite book|title=Постанова Кабінету Міністрів України від 07 вересня 1993 року № 706 «Про порядок продажу, придбання, реєстрації, обліку і застосування спеціальних засобів самооборони, заряджених речовинами сльозоточивої та дратівної дії»|publisher=КАБІНЕТ МІНІСТРІВ УКРАЇНИ|url=https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/706-93-%D0%BF#Text|access-date=21 July 2023|language=uk}}</ref>
* [[United Kingdom]]: Pepper spray is illegal<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/27 |title=Firearms Act 1968 |access-date=2013-12-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018191502/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/27 |archive-date=2014-10-18 |url-status=live }}</ref> under Section 5(1)(b) of the [[Firearms Act 1968]]: "A person commits an offence if [...] he has in his possession [...] any weapon of whatever description designed or adapted for the discharge of any noxious liquid, gas or other thing."
** Police officers are exempt from this law and permitted to carry pepper spray as part of their standard equipment.