Yes, pepper spray is legal in Chile under strict conditions.
Pepper spray is classified as a “non-lethal self-defense weapon” under Chilean law, permitted for personal use if it meets technical specifications set by the Subsecretaría de Prevención del Delito (SPD). The device must contain oleoresin capsicum (OC) concentrations between 5% and 10%, with a maximum capacity of 50 milliliters. Sales are restricted to individuals over 18 with a valid national ID, and purchases require in-person verification at authorized retailers. The SPD enforces compliance through periodic inspections, aligning with the 2023 Ley de Control de Armas amendments that tightened oversight for self-defense tools. Unauthorized importation or possession of non-compliant variants may result in confiscation or criminal charges under Código Penal Article 144.
Key Regulations for Pepper Spray in Chile
- Concentration & Capacity Limits: OC concentration must be 5–10%, with a maximum volume of 50 mL per canister. Devices exceeding these parameters are classified as prohibited weapons.
- Purchase & Possession Requirements: Buyers must present a Chilean RUT (tax ID) and be 18+ years old. Retailers must log transactions in a national database managed by the SPD.
- Use & Restrictions: Pepper spray may only be used in legitimate self-defense scenarios. Misuse—such as deploying it against law enforcement or in altercations without provocation—constitutes a criminal offense under Ley 20.813.