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    Is pepper spray legal in Finland?

    Why self-defence sprays need a permit and what to bring instead.

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    Short answer

    No, not without a permit. Finnish Customs groups gas sprays together with firearms, firearm components and cartridges, and their import requires a permit. Ordinary travellers cannot get one for self-defence, so a pepper spray found at the border can be taken away.

    Visas and Entry Regulations (Schengen)

    Why

    1. Finnish Customs lists firearms, firearm components, gas sprays and cartridges under the same import rules.
    2. Customs says the import of these goods from outside the EU requires a permit.
    3. The Public Order Act also bans carrying objects suitable for injuring others in public places without a valid reason.

    Details

    The same applies to tasers and electric shock devices, which Customs lists as prohibited dangerous objects. A personal alarm that only makes noise is not a weapon.

    Tip

    If you want to feel safer, carry a personal alarm and save the emergency number 112 in your phone.

    What may differ

    Bear spray for hiking in Lapland is also a gas spray. Check with the police before bringing one.

    Common misconception

    Pepper spray is legal in Finland because it is legal in Estonia.

    What actually happens

    Finland has its own permit rules for gas sprays, regardless of what neighbouring countries allow.

    People also ask

    • Can I carry pepper spray in Helsinki?
    • Is a taser legal in Finland?
    • What self-defence items are legal in Finland?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Customs rules can change, so check Finnish Customs (Tulli) before you travel.

    Visas and Entry Regulations (Schengen)
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