Pepper Spray Permits

Pepper spray is regulated under Legal Notice 203 of 2021.

Types allowed:

• Pepper spray (fogger or stream) containing Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), not containing Chloroacetophenone (CN) or Orthochloro-benzalmalononitrile (CS).
• Pepper spray (fogger or stream) containing Major Capsaicinoids (MC), not containing CN or CS.

Strength allowed:

• OC concentration not less than 5% and not exceeding 10%, or not exceeding 5,000,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHUs).
• MC concentration not less than 0.8% and not exceeding 1.4%, or not exceeding 5,000,000 SHUs.

Volume per canister: not less than 2 ounces (60 ml) and not exceeding 5 ounces (150 ml).

All persons eighteen years and over may apply, except those charged or convicted with any offence under Schedule II of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 2021, Part II of the Bail Act, or any offence under the Domestic Violence Act. A child who is sixteen or seventeen years of age can be issued a permit once the parent, guardian or person with responsibility for the child gives written permission for the child to possess pepper spray.

• The Pepper Spray Permit (User) is valid for three years and may be renewed no more than three months after the date of expiration, by submitting the application to the Commissioner of Police or an authorized officer.
• The Pepper Spray Import Permit is valid for five years.
• The Pepper Spray Retailer Permit is valid for five years.

Amongst others: murder, treason, shooting or wounding with intent, inflicting injury with or without a weapon, burglary, forcible entry, kidnapping, trafficking in persons or children, sexual offences (such as rape, grievous sexual assault and indecent assault), sexual offences against a child (such as grooming, child prostitution and child pornography), gang-related offences, possessing or trafficking in dangerous drugs (such as cannabis, opium and cocaine), illegal possession, manufacturing or trafficking in firearms, acts of terrorism, and breach of a Court Order made under the Domestic Violence Act.

• Importer: applicant desirous of importing pepper spray.
• Retailer: applicant desirous of selling or distributing pepper spray.
• User: applicant desirous of purchasing, acquiring or possessing pepper spray.

An Importer may also sell pepper spray, but Importers are also required to apply for a Retailer Permit.

The cost of either permit is TT$100, paid in cash at the police station where the applicant's fingerprints are taken. There is no online facility to pay the fee. The application form must be completed electronically only; it is not available for download or at any police station.

1. Visit the TTPS website and select Services, then Pepper Spray Application.
2. Complete the online application form in its entirety.
3. The completed form is generated as a PDF, which must be downloaded, printed on letter sized paper, and taken to a convenient police station to have fingerprint impressions taken.
4. Pay the processing fee of TT$100 at the selected police station and present a valid form of National Identification (preferably one used in the online form).
5. An officer examines the ID to ensure it corroborates the application. Fingerprint impressions are taken to determine any criminal record, in accordance with the Firearms Act Chapter 16:01 as amended No. 7 of 2021.
6. The officer prepares a receipt; the original is given to the applicant and the duplicate retained for station records.
7. Upload the receipt to the TTPS website under "Pepper Spray Application Upload Receipt". Processing only begins once the receipt is uploaded electronically.

• A passport-size photo with white background.
• Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement or other financial statement in your name), or an authorisation letter from the person whose name is on the bill.
• Two forms of National Identification.
• Proof of Registration of Business or Company.
• Proof of V.A.T. or Tax Registration.

A User applying for personal use is not required to submit additional documentation.

Approximately three to four weeks for User applicants, and approximately eight weeks for Importer and Retailer applicants. You will be notified of approval by phone call, email or in writing. The permit is provided in hardcopy format and must be collected by you in person; no one may collect it on your behalf.

There is no way to rectify an error once submitted; you must resubmit the application form. If you were unsuccessful, you may reapply; the Firearms Act does not give a time-frame in which such an application can be made. Section 21A of the Firearms Act, Chapter 16:01 also provides an aggrieved applicant a right to appeal to the Firearms Appeal Board regarding any licences, certificates and permits issued under the Act. To initiate this process, the applicant must be informed of the Commissioner's decision in writing.

• Importers: may purchase pepper spray from their supplier. A record is kept of the supplier details and the stock imported.
• Retailers: may sell, distribute or purchase from any local authorised Importer or Retailer. Under Section 26 of the Firearms Act Chapter 16:01, a record of all transactions must be kept, including the purchaser or supplier details and a description of the pepper spray.
• Users: receive two Approval Letters from the Firearm Permit Unit permitting the purchase of a canister. Pepper spray must be purchased from approved Retailers only, presenting a valid National ID, the two Approval Letters and the Permit. Canisters are to be used only for self-defence and stored safely out of the reach of children and unauthorised users.

Section 17B of the Firearm Regulation requires the owner to report a stolen canister to the nearest police station within 24 hours. If a canister is lost or stolen, Section 17A(3) allows the holder of a valid permit to purchase another canister. If the permit itself is lost or stolen, and satisfactory proof is provided, the owner may apply for a duplicate permit, valid only for the duration of the original permit (Section 17B(1)(2)). A duplicate permit does not by itself authorise the purchase of another canister.

Where a holder of a Pepper Spray Import Permit or Pepper Spray Permit is charged or convicted for any listed offence, they must return the permit and canister to the nearest police station within seven days of becoming a person prohibited from holding such a permit.

A child who is sixteen years of age and over can carry pepper spray once the parent, guardian or responsible person gives written permission. A permit holder must ensure the canister is stored safely out of the reach of children when not carried on their person. A 16 or 17 year old is of the age of criminal liability and will be held responsible for any breach of the law, such as using pepper spray other than for self-defence.