Brazil Senate passes law allowing pepper spray for women's self‑defense

The Brazilian Senate approved Bill 727/2026 on 30 July 2026, authorising the commercialisation, acquisition and possession of aerosol devices made from plant extracts (commonly known as pepper spray) for women's personal defence. Women aged 18 years or older may purchase the device freely; those aged 16–18 may do so only with express parental authorisation.

Retailers are required to keep a simplified record of each sale, including the buyer’s identification, for five years. The spray must be for individual, non‑transferable use and may not contain lethal or permanently toxic substances. Misuse attracts administrative penalties – a formal warning, a fine of one to ten minimum salaries (doubling on repeat offences), seizure of the device and a prohibition on further purchases for up to five years – in addition to any applicable criminal sanctions.

The legislation also creates a National Training Programme in Personal Defence and Use of Low‑Potential Offensive Instruments for Women, to be rolled out gradually under executive regulation. The bill, reported by Senator Laércio Oliveira and authored by Deputy Gorete Pereira, now proceeds to presidential sanction by President Lula.