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

The Brazilian Senate approved Bill 727/2026, establishing nationwide rules for the manufacture, sale, possession and use of pepper‑spray devices intended for women's personal protection. The measure now moves to the president for sanction.

Under the law, women aged 18 and over may purchase the aerosol, while those aged 16‑17 can acquire it with a legal guardian's authorization. Sales must be recorded for five years, and the product must be for individual, non‑transferable use, free of lethal or permanently toxic substances. Technical specifications and safety standards will be set by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) and other relevant authorities. Misuse can result in warnings, fines of one to ten minimum wages (doubling on repeat offenses), confiscation and a ban on future purchases, alongside possible criminal liability. The bill also creates a National Training Program to teach women self‑defense techniques and proper use of the device.