Are Pepper Sprays Legal in Singapore?

Pepper spray is often marketed as a convenient self-defence tool, and it is not uncommon to come across social media posts showing people overseas carrying pepper spray. However, the legal position in Singapore is markedly different, as pepper spray is legally considered a weapon.

This article explains:

• How Singapore law regulates weapons and similar items
• Whether pepper spray is considered a permitted weapon
• Whether you can carry and own a pepper spray in Singapore
• The penalties for carrying or using pepper spray illegally in Singapore

How are Weapons Regulated in Singapore?

Singapore has one of the strictest legal regimes in the world when it comes to weapons and public safety. The primary legislation governing the use of weapons is the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act (GEWCA), which came into force in 2025.

The GEWCA consolidates earlier laws and regulates a broad range of items, including:

• Guns and firearms
• Explosives and explosive precursors
• Weapons (such as knives, swords, and knuckledusters)
• Noxious substances (e.g. chemical sprays that can cause harm, such as pepper sprays)

Under this framework, the possession, import, sale, or use of such items is generally illegal unless authorised by a licence.

Is Pepper Spray Considered a ‘Weapon’?

In Singapore, weapons fall into one of the following categories:

1. Prohibited weapons: These refer to items considered inherently dangerous (e.g. certain concealed blades), typically banned outright.
2. Controlled weapons: These refer to items that may be allowed but require a licence or must be used for a lawful purpose (e.g. certain knives used for work).
3. Noxious substances: A separate category that refers to chemical agents which cause irritation, tears, or nausea.

Under the GEWCA, pepper spray is explicitly listed as an example of a noxious substance – alongside other substances such as tear gas – and would therefore be considered a weapon.

Can You Own or Carry Pepper Spray in Singapore?

Singapore law classifies pepper spray as a “noxious substance” and therefore a regulated weapon under the GEWCA. The law further states that the licence which authorises the possession and use of noxious substances – such as pepper spray – will not be issued to the general public.

In other words, members of the general public in Singapore cannot legally own, carry, import, or use pepper spray. This would apply regardless of whether or not the individual was carrying it for the purposes of self-protection or self-defence.

In this regard, it is also illegal to purchase regulated weapons such as pepper sprays from unauthorised sellers or suppliers. This would include e-commerce platforms such as Shopee or Lazada, which are prohibited from selling regulated weapons, including noxious substances, as they are unlicensed to do so.

Individuals who purchase such items illegally – and individual sellers who sell such items on these platforms – can face imprisonment for up to 2 years and a fine of up to $20,000.

What are the Penalties for Carrying or Using Pepper Spray Illegally in Singapore?

Unauthorised possession or import of pepper spray can result in serious consequences.

Under the GEWCA, possessing or importing a noxious substance without a licence is an offence. Offenders can be liable to imprisonment for a term of up to 24 months and a fine of up to $20,000.

Individuals who attempt to bring pepper spray into the country are also required to declare and surrender such items at checkpoints.

For example, a tourist who brings in pepper spray for their safety and does not declare the pepper spray at the point of entry into Singapore will have the item confiscated. In addition, the tourist will also be investigated for the offence of importation of a noxious substance without a licence.

Separately, if a person uses any object (including pepper spray) to cause harm, they may also face other charges. For example, suppose a person brings pepper spray into Singapore and fails to declare it, and happens to use the pepper spray, causing serious injury to another individual. That individual will not only face charges for committing an offence under the GEWCA, but could also potentially be charged with the Penal Code offence of voluntarily causing hurt by a dangerous weapon, and face imprisonment for up to 7 years, and/or with a fine and/or with caning.

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Pepper spray may be a common self-defence tool in other countries, but in Singapore, it is firmly regulated and effectively prohibited for civilian use. Under the GEWCA, it is treated as a noxious substance requiring a licence which members of the public cannot easily obtain.

As such, pepper spray is not legal for personal possession or use in Singapore, and individuals should avoid carrying or importing it. Do remember that even seemingly well-intentioned actions, such as carrying it for self-defence, can result in serious legal consequences.

If you or your loved one has been charged with an offence relating to the possession or carrying of pepper spray in Singapore, it is best that you consult a criminal defence lawyer for further legal advice and guidance on the circumstances of your case.