The demand for personal defense sprays is experiencing strong growth in the Valencia Region. According to online sales data from SHOKE, demand increased by 82% in the city of Valencia during the second quarter of 2026 compared to the 2025 daily average, while the overall increase in the Valencia Region was 78%.
The increase is even more pronounced in Alicante, where purchases advanced by 91% during the analyzed period. This phenomenon is not limited to the regional capital but extends to various locations within the Valencian territory.
The city of Valencia accounts for nearly 7% of the national online purchase volume, ranking it third among Spanish cities. The Valencia Region, meanwhile, consistently represents between 13% and 16% of the total national demand. The 78% increase in the region also surpasses the 61% growth recorded for Spain as a whole.
It is important to note that these figures come from the records of a specific company and do not represent the entire Spanish market. However, they indicate an upward trend in Valencian consumers' interest in personal defense devices.
The growing demand has reignited the debate about the legality of pepper sprays in Spain. The Weapons Regulation generally prohibits personal defense sprays and other devices capable of projecting gases or aerosols. However, it establishes an exception for models that have received the corresponding approval from the Ministry of Health.
Authorized models can only be sold in authorized gun shops to individuals over the age of majority who can prove their identity. Therefore, a product being advertised as pepper spray, available for purchase online, or legal in another country does not automatically mean it is permitted in Spain.
Before purchasing such a device, consumers must verify that the exact model is listed in the current registry published by the Ministry of Health, as approval is granted individually to each model and has an expiration date. It is also crucial to purchase from authorized establishments that require age verification and ensure the product retains its labeling and instructions.
Legal acquisition of a defense spray does not permit its free use in any dispute or confrontation. Its use must be analyzed based on the specific circumstances of each case, adhering to the requirements of legitimate defense outlined in the Penal Code: unlawful aggression, rational necessity of the means used, and lack of sufficient provocation. Misuse can lead to legal consequences, even if the model is approved.
