Pepper spray

A pepper spray is a canister with an aerosol propellant designed to discharge a concentrated jet of pepper extract in a specific direction.

The active substance of a pepper spray is typically capsaicin which is also known from chilis. A pepper spray typically works at a range of up to six or seven metres from where it is discharged.

Normally, only individuals with a particular need for protection can obtain a pepper spray certificate. When we process your application, we will therefore assess whether you are at particular risk of a violent assault due to stalking, a relational or honour-related conflict, etc. We will also assess whether a pepper spray will offer suitable protection of you and whether you are capable of using a pepper spray.

In connection with your application for a pepper spray certificate, we will also perform a personal background check of you to assess whether, based on the police's data on you, it is safe to give you access to use a pepper spray. You will not be granted a pepper spray certificate if the Permit Department assesses that there is a risk that you will abuse the pepper spray.

In order to apply for a pepper spray licence, you must have turned 18.

 

See more about personal background check

Apply for a pepper spray certificate in our self-service portal.

If the police grant you a pepper spray certificate, you may buy, possess and carry a pepper spray at home and in public places. You may also use a pepper spray if you are assaulted or someone else is assaulted.

Pepper spray may only be used for self-defence or if you are assaulted or someone else is assaulted, that is, for lawful self-defence when the use of pepper spray is required in a specific situation to avert an assault on you or on someone else.

If you use pepper spray in other situations, you may be charged with violence. Accordingly, you may not use pepper spray to punish or frighten an unwanted person who is not assaulting you, such as a burglar.

A pepper spray must always be stored securely and in a place that is inaccessible to third parties.

As a pepper spray is meant for self-defence, you may store it for easy access. It is not a requirement that the pepper spray is locked up.

You may buy a pepper spray abroad, but as a pepper spray counts as a weapon, you will need both an import licence and a weapon certificate for the pepper spray. You can apply for the requisite certificates in our self-service portal.

Please also observe that a pepper spray imported from abroad must not exceed a maximum allowed strength of 500,000 Scoville Heat Units.

You are not allowed to make your own pepper spray. You must buy it from a dealer licenced to sell pepper sprays.