🌶️ Am I allowed to carry pepper spray for self-defence?

With conditions

Quick answer

Yes, as animal-repellent spray — with limits. Pepper spray clearly labelled "animal repellent spray" may be freely bought and carried in Germany — no age limit, no weapons permit. Against people you may only use it in a genuine self-defence or aiding situation. Sprays specifically approved as defence devices against people need a BKA test mark (PTB). At assemblies and events, carrying it is usually banned.

📋 The rules

Spray labelled "animal repellent" is freely sold and may be carried
No age limit for animal-repellent sprays — no weapons permit needed
Use against people only in genuine self-defence or aiding
Irritant spray devices expressly approved against people need a BKA/PTB test mark
Carrying at assemblies, events, festivals is usually banned
No use out of anger, revenge or to intimidate — that is assault

🔓 Exceptions

Self-defence/aiding: a proportionate use against an attacker is justified
On your own property for animal defence it is unproblematic
Tested irritant devices with a PTB mark may be carried against people (from age 14)

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Carrying a spray without approved active substances, without the "animal repellent" label or without a BKA test mark breaches the Weapons Act — possibly a fine or up to 3 years in prison. Unjustified use against people (outside self-defence) is assault and is prosecuted criminally and civilly.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Can I just buy and carry pepper spray?

Yes, if it is labelled "animal repellent spray". Such sprays are freely sold, there is no age limit and you need no weapons permit to carry them.

Can I use pepper spray against an attacker?

Only in a genuine self-defence or aiding situation, and proportionately. Outside self-defence — out of anger or as a threat — using it against people is assault.

What is the difference from irritant spray devices?

Irritant spray devices are expressly intended to ward off people. They may be carried only if they bear an official BKA/PTB test mark; then from age 14. Animal-repellent sprays are not subject to these requirements.

Where may I not take pepper spray?

Usually not to assemblies, demonstrations, large events, festivals or concerts. Carrying it there is generally prohibited.

What happens with illegal pepper spray?

Sprays without approved substances, without labelling or without a test mark breach the Weapons Act — with a fine or up to three years in prison. Misuse is also punished.

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