Brazil's new pepper spray law spurs surge in women's self‑defense sales

Law No. 15.474/2026, approved in July 2026, establishes national rules for the commercialisation, acquisition and possession of pepper‑spray aerosols intended for women's self‑defence. The regulation limits containers to 50 ml, requires buyers to be over 18, present identification and a criminal‑record declaration, and mandates retailers to keep sales records and provide usage guidance.

Following the law’s announcement, retailers in Brasília and Itajaí report a roughly 40 % rise in demand for pepper‑spray products, with some items such as ginger‑based sprays already out of stock. Store owners are arranging proper disposal of empty canisters to avoid environmental harm. Tanglian Carmel, a physiotherapist, said she began carrying spray after a stalking incident in a market parking lot, describing it as a preventive measure she hopes never to need.