All maps › Pepper spray › Netherlands

Is pepper spray illegal in the Netherlands?

Yes. Pepper spray is banned in the Netherlands. Category II weapon: only police may carry it.

Wet wapens en munitie art 2 cat II 6 deg (objects for hitting people with toxic, asphyxiating, tear-producing or similar substances) + art 26(1) ban on possessing category II (version in force from 1 Jul 2026). Justice ministry note 29 May 2026 weighed legalising, cited risks; no change.

Source: Wet wapens en munitie

• The Netherlands is one of 11 countries where pepper spray is banned, and 9 more restrict it.
• Its neighbours: banned in 1 of 2 (Belgium).
• In Europe: banned in 7 of 39 countries.

Watch on YouTube

Other countries that ban pepper spray

MaltaLuxembourgBelgiumNorwayDenmarkIrelandSingaporeVietnamUnited KingdomCanadaAll 11 on the map ›

What else is banned in the Netherlands