Policing.uk

Is pepper spray legal in the UK?

No. Pepper spray is classified as a prohibited weapon under section 5(1)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968, alongside tasers and stun guns. Possession carries a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment and a minimum of 5 years for adults. Only police officers may carry PAVA spray. There is no self-defence exception for civilians.

The law

  • Firearms Act 1968, Section 5(1)(b). Classifies pepper spray as a prohibited weapon (noxious discharge device)
  • Sentencing Act 2020, Section 311. Minimum 5 years' custody for prohibited weapon possession (adults)

The penalty

Offence
Possession of prohibited weapon (pepper spray)
Maximum
10 years' imprisonment
Typical range
5 to 7 years' custody

What to do

  1. Do not purchase, import, or carry pepper spray or CS gas
  2. Legal alternatives include personal alarms and rape alarms
  3. If arrested, exercise your right to free legal advice at the police station
  4. A solicitor can advise on whether exceptional circumstances may apply

In detail

Pepper spray (also called OC spray or PAVA spray) is classified as a prohibited weapon under section 5(1)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968. It falls within the definition of a weapon designed to discharge a noxious liquid, gas, or other thing.

The legal position is the same as for tasers: possession without the authority of the Secretary of State for Defence is a criminal offence carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment and a minimum of 5 years for adults under section 311 of the Sentencing Act 2020.

Police officers carry PAVA spray (a synthetic alternative to pepper spray) as part of their standard personal protective equipment. Officers receive training on its use as part of Personal Safety Training, and deployment must be justified within the National Decision Model.

Buying pepper spray online from overseas sellers and importing it is a criminal offence. It is also an offence to sell or transfer pepper spray to another person. Many online retailers based outside the UK will ship to UK addresses, but Border Force intercepts these packages and may refer the purchaser for prosecution.

Alternative personal safety devices that are not prohibited weapons (such as personal alarms) are legal to carry.

Related questions

Last updated 16 October 2026