Pepper spray in the EU — countries where it’s permitted ✅

In Poland, pepper spray is generally permitted for possession without a permit. In practice, the key distinction is between possession (legal) and use (assessed under general provisions).

• Street (carrying): generally allowed.
• Car (transport): generally allowed; watch out for transit through banned countries.
• Home (possession): allowed; store securely.
• Import and transit: the issue is usually not Poland but the law of transit countries.

Austria generally allows possession of pepper spray, but in practice age restrictions and rules in controlled locations (venue regulations, mass events) are important.

• Street (carrying): usually allowed for those meeting the age requirement.
• Car (transport): generally allowed; check transit countries on international routes.
• Home (possession): allowed; store out of reach of unauthorized persons.
• Import and transit: most often decided by transit countries' rules, not Austria itself.

In Bulgaria, details on what qualifies as a “weapon” and when formalities are required come from weapons and coercive means regulations. When traveling with pepper spray, safest to assume classification of the specific product (type, markings, intended use) and inspection practice matter.

• Street (carrying): generally encountered as a self-defense tool, but avoid bringing into controlled locations (venue rules).
• Car (transport): generally permitted; on routes, transit countries most often decide.
• Home (possession): generally permitted; store securely.
• Import and transit: check transit countries and local legal classification too.

The Czech Republic is one of the countries where pepper spray is treated liberally and is generally permitted. The most common trap is not the Czech Republic itself but transit through a restrictive country.

• Street (carrying): generally allowed.
• Car (transport): generally allowed.
• Home (possession): allowed.
• Import and transit: usually problem-free upon entry to the Czech Republic; check transit countries.

In Hungary, possession of pepper spray is generally permitted, but practice is based on limits and parameters set for defensive sprays. In case of inspection, compliance with limits matters.

• Street (carrying): allowed within limits set for “gázspray”.
• Car (transport): generally allowed if the product meets limits.
• Home (possession): allowed if the product meets limits.
• Import and transit: pay attention to limits and transit countries' rules.

In practice, pepper spray is widely treated as a permitted personal defense tool in Slovakia. Most important is not to confuse pepper spray (OC) with other means that may have different classification.

• Street (carrying): usually allowed.
• Car (transport): usually allowed.
• Home (possession): allowed.
• Import and transit: in practice, transit countries are key – check your route.

In Slovenia, pepper spray is generally permitted for possession, with restrictions most often concerning controlled locations and general rules on use in threat situations.

• Street (carrying): usually allowed.
• Car (transport): usually allowed.
• Home (possession): allowed.
• Import and transit: transit countries are key – check your route.

In Lithuania, pepper spray is generally permitted as a personal defense tool. In case of doubt, best practice is to verify in legal acts concerning classification and trade in self-defense means.

• Street (carrying): usually allowed.
• Car (transport): usually allowed.
• Home (possession): allowed.
• Import and transit: verify transit countries' laws too.

In Latvia, pepper spray is generally permitted. For details (classification, product requirements), refer to regulations published in the official legal system.

• Street (carrying): usually allowed.
• Car (transport): usually allowed.
• Home (possession): allowed.
• Import and transit: in practice, transit countries are key.

In Estonia, pepper spray is generally permitted as a personal defense tool. The most reliable source for details is legal acts published in the official gazette and any service communications.

• Street (carrying): usually allowed.
• Car (transport): usually allowed.
• Home (possession): allowed.
• Import and transit: in practice, most often decided by transit countries' rules.