Rio State Legalizes Defensive Sprays for Women After Governor Sanctions Law

Overview

• Law 11.025/2025 took effect upon publication in the state gazette on Nov. 26 after Governor Cláudio Castro’s sanction.
• Sales are limited to pharmacies with photo ID checks for buyers 18 or older, no prescription required, and a cap of two units per person per month.
• Women aged 16 and 17 may acquire and carry the spray with formal authorization from a legal guardian.
• Public-use containers are limited to 70 grams and formulations above 50 ml are restricted to the Armed Forces, security forces and municipal guards; products may have up to 20% concentration.
• The state can supply the spray free to women with protective orders in domestic-violence cases, with costs reimbursed by the aggressor while the order remains in force.