Yes, pepper spray is legal in Greece for self-defense, but its possession and use are tightly controlled under Law 2168/1993 and Ministerial Decision Δ1/602/2026. Civilian ownership requires no permit, yet canisters exceeding 22 grams of CS/OC concentrate or containing propellants like Freon are prohibited. Misuse carries penalties under Articles 277-279 of the Greek Penal Code, including fines up to €3,000 or imprisonment for aggravated assault.
Key Regulations for Pepper Spray in Greece
- Concentration Limits: Only canisters with ≤2% CS/OC active ingredient are lawful; higher concentrations trigger confiscation under Hellenic Police Directive Δ1/602/2026.
- Age Restrictions: Sale to individuals under 18 is banned, enforced via ID checks at licensed retailers (e.g., hunting/fishing shops).
- Use Prohibitions: Deployment against law enforcement or in public gatherings constitutes aggravated assault, prosecutable under Article 277. Carrying during protests risks immediate confiscation by EL.AS units.
Local authorities (e.g., Attica Police Directorate) conduct periodic inspections of online retailers to curb sales of non-compliant variants. Tourists may possess pepper spray but must declare it upon entry; undeclared items face confiscation under customs regulations (Law 2960/2001). For commercial import, prior approval from the Ministry of Citizen Protection is mandatory.