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Is pepper spray legal in Norway?

The ban on pepper spray and what applies at the border.

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Short answer

Pepper spray is banned for private individuals in Norway, and you need a police permit to bring most types of defence spray into the country. The regulations make exceptions for state bodies such as Customs and the Correctional Service. Customs can seize weapons found in the green channel. Electroshock weapons such as stun guns may not be imported at all.

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Why

  1. The police guidelines on the Weapons Act state that pepper spray falls under the ban on such items in section 3-6 of the weapons regulations.
  2. The same guidelines exempt pepper spray that belongs to or is intended for the Correctional Service or Norwegian Customs, and the ban applies again if such a spray goes astray.
  3. Norwegian Customs lists most types of defence spray, gas weapons and tear gas canisters among the items that need a police permit to import.

Details

A permit to import weapons is issued by the police in the district where you live, and you must carry it when you cross the border. With a permit you go through the red channel. Customs also lists flick knives, butterfly knives and stiletto knives among the items that may not be imported.

Tip

Leave pepper spray and stun guns at home, and in an emergency call the police on 112.

People also ask

  • Can I carry pepper spray in Norway?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check the Norwegian Police (Politiet) before you travel.

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