EU Countries Where Pepper Spray Is Banned (❌) – Current Information and Official Sources
In the European Union, there is no single, uniform rule regarding pepper spray. In some countries, it is treated as a regular personal defense tool, while in others it is considered a prohibited item or a weapon requiring special permits. This subpage compiles the EU countries where, in practice, a private individual cannot legally possess or carry pepper spray without exceptional authorization.
If you're looking for countries where pepper spray is legal (fully or with restrictions), also check: countries with conditional rules (⚠️) and countries where it is permitted (✅).
For each country, you'll find a brief overview of the situation (street carry, car, home, import, and transit) along with a link to an official page where you can read more and verify the legal basis yourself.
List of EU Countries with a Ban (❌)
- Pepper Spray – Belgium
- Pepper Spray – Denmark
- Pepper Spray – Greece
- Pepper Spray – Netherlands
- Pepper Spray – Ireland
- Pepper Spray – Luxembourg
Ban in Practice: What Most Often Causes Issues
- Carrying on the street – in countries with a ban, problems usually start at the stage of mere possession.
- Keeping in the car – a vehicle is not a “safe loophole”; in many legal systems, it still counts as possessing a prohibited item.
- Possession at home – in some countries, the ban also covers private storage.
- Import and transit – even passing through “just on the way” can lead to the risk of inspection and consequences.
In practice, consequences during a check may include confiscation of the item, proceedings, and penalties provided under local law. Details vary by country – that's why official source links are provided below.
Belgium – Pepper Spray as a Prohibited Weapon
Belgian government sources classify self-defense sprays (including pepper spray) as a prohibited weapon. This means the issue may involve not only carrying but also possession, transport, and import.
- Street (carrying): illegal (prohibited weapon).
- Car (transport): generally illegal (transport of a prohibited item).
- Home (possession): generally illegal.
- Import and transit: risk also applies to import and transit passage.
Official source: Belgian government website (Justice) – list of prohibited weapons
Denmark – Pepper Spray Is Illegal Without Special Permission
The Danish police state that since February 1, 2021, pepper spray has been illegal to acquire, possess, and carry in Denmark unless you have special authorization. In practice, this means a ban for most private individuals.
- Street (carrying): illegal without permission.
- Car (transport): illegal without permission – a vehicle does not change the classification of possession.
- Home (possession): illegal without permission.
- Import and transit: high risk – mere possession during entry/transit can be an issue.
Official source: Danish Police – information on the illegality of pepper spray (current as of 2026)
Greece – Pepper Spray Treated as a Weapon (Practically Banned for Private Individuals)
In Greece, pepper spray is often treated as a weapon requiring a special license. For tourists and average private individuals, this practically means very high risk when possessing, carrying, or importing it.
- Street (carrying): risky and generally not allowed without a license.
- Car (transport): risky – transport still counts as possession.
- Home (possession): risky – in practice, assume a ban without a license.
- Import and transit: high risk already at the import stage (border/airport checks, transit through other countries).
Official source: Main act regulating weapon categories and restrictions in Greece.
Netherlands – Pepper Spray Is Illegal
The Dutch police explicitly state that pepper spray may not be possessed or carried. In practice, this means risk applies to both street carry and storage or transport.
- Street (carrying): illegal.
- Car (transport): illegal – a vehicle does not change the classification of possession.
- Home (possession): illegal.
- Import and transit: high risk of issues already from the mere fact of possession during passage.
Official source: Dutch Police – information on the ban on possessing pepper spray
Ireland – Pepper Spray Is Completely Banned
The Irish government source indicates that pepper spray is banned. In practice, this means risk for both possession and attempted import.
- Street (carrying): illegal.
- Car (transport): illegal.
- Home (possession): illegal.
- Import and transit: high risk – the problem starts already at the import stage.
Official source: Irish government website – answers regarding firearms (including pepper spray)
Luxembourg – Pepper Spray on the List of Prohibited Weapons
The Luxembourg police publish information on prohibited weapons and include pepper spray in this context. In practice, this means risk for carrying, transporting, and importing.
- Street (carrying): illegal.
- Car (transport): illegal.
- Home (possession): illegal.
- Import and transit: high risk – especially during border or road checks.
Official source: Luxembourg Police – information on prohibited weapons (including pepper spray)
Update and Verification
Information prepared based on official sources and verified as of . If you're planning a trip, also verify transit countries (they most often “ruin” the route).
See also the other categories: ⚠️ conditional and ✅ permitted.
Bibliography of Official Sources
- NL-1 (Netherlands): Dutch Police – information on the ban on possessing pepper spray
- BE-1 (Belgium): Belgium (Justice) – list of prohibited weapons
- IE-1 (Ireland): Ireland – “Firearms: your questions answered” (including pepper spray)
- LU-1 (Luxembourg): Luxembourg Police – prohibited weapons (including pepper spray)
- DK-1 (Denmark): Danish Police – information on the illegality of pepper spray since 02/01/2021 (without special permission)
- GR-1 (Greece): Greek Parliament page with search for legislative work on the firearms law (Ν. 2168/1993) – this is the main act regulating weapon categories and restrictions in Greece.