No. Pepper spray is classified as a restricted weapon under Turkish law, requiring special authorization for possession or use.
Turkey’s 2026 amendments to the Law on Firearms and Weapons (Law No. 6136) explicitly designate pepper spray as a “non-lethal weapon,” subject to the same licensing regime as firearms. The Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Security enforces these rules, mandating applicants to demonstrate “legitimate need” (e.g., self-defense for high-risk professions) and pass background checks. Unauthorized possession carries penalties under Article 13 of the law, including fines up to 10,000 Turkish lira and confiscation.
Key Regulations for Pepper Spray in Turkey
- Licensing Requirement: Only individuals with a valid weapon possession permit (silah taşıma ruhsatı) may legally acquire pepper spray. Permits are issued by provincial security directorates after vetting.
- Concentration Limits: Sprays must contain ≤10% oleoresin capsicum (OC) and ≤2% capsaicin. Higher concentrations are treated as chemical weapons under the Law on Chemical Weapons and Precursors.
- Carry Restrictions: Pepper spray must be carried in its original packaging and cannot be used outside “immediate self-defense” scenarios. Public display or brandishing without provocation triggers Article 191 of the Turkish Penal Code (TPC), risking misdemeanor charges.