Yes, pepper spray is legal in Egypt but classified as a restricted weapon under the Arms and Ammunitions Law No. 39 of 1970, requiring prior authorization from the Ministry of Interior. Civilian possession without a permit is prohibited, and unauthorized use may result in criminal liability under Articles 33-35 of the same law. Recent 2026 amendments to the law have tightened oversight, mandating biometric registration for applicants and banning online sales.
Key Regulations for Pepper Spray in Egypt
- Permit Requirement: Issued exclusively by the Ministry of Interior’s Arms and Ammunitions Department; applications require security vetting and proof of legitimate need (e.g., personal protection for journalists or high-risk professions).
- Concentration Limits: Only non-lethal formulations with a maximum OC (oleoresin capsicum) concentration of 5% are permitted; industrial-grade or military variants are confiscated under Article 34.
- Carry Restrictions: Use or display in public without immediate threat justification constitutes a misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to EGP 50,000 or imprisonment for up to 3 months under the 2026 amendments.