TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO STANDARD  
  
 
COMPULSORY  
 
 
 
PEPPER SPRAY  – COMPULSORY REQUIREMENTS  
  
 
 
 
PCTTCS 33 :20XX  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Copyright ©  
This National Standard issued by the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards is copyright protected by the Standards Act 
No. 18 of 1997 and neither this document nor any extract from it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted 
in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission being secured  
from t he Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards.  
Request for permission to reproduce should be addressed as follows:  
Executive Director  
Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards  
Century Drive, Trincity Industrial Estate,  
Macoya, Tunapuna,  
P.O. Box 467, Port of Sp ain 
Trinidad and Tobago  
Phone: 662 -TTBS E -MAIL: ttbs@ttbs.org.tt  
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 PCTTCS 33:20XX  
ii 
 Trinidad and To bago Bureau of Standards disclaimer and exclusion of liability  
The information contained herein is provided without any representations, warranties or condition s of 
any kind, express or implied, including (but not limited to) implied warranties or conditions concerning 
the accuracy, reliability, completeness or currency of the information.  
The Trinidad an d Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS ) makes no representation  and gives no 
warranties in relation to the information herein, its compliance with any relevant statue, rule, 
regulation, policy formulation, legal instrument or notice whatsoever and where so ever derived nor 
whether the said information infringes or is likely to infringe any patent, copyright, specification, 
design, invention or drawing which is protected whether locally or internationally.  
Neither the TTBS  as a body corporate nor its members, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates or 
volunteers shall be li able to any party (whether local or international) for any loss, damage, costs or 
expenses incurred whether directly or indirectly, in reliance on the information herein; nor is the 
Bureau, its members, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates or volunteers lia ble to indemnify any third 
party for such loss or damage payable by it arising from the use of said information.  
 
         
 
 
 
 PCTTCS 33:20XX  
iii 
 General statement  
 
The Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards is a body corporate established under the authority of 
the Standa rds Act No. 18 of 1997(hereinafter referred to as the Standards Act).  
In accordance with the Standards Act, the Bureau shall promote and encourage the development and 
maintenance of standards and further shall establish standards for the following: to impr ove goods 
produced or used in Trinidad and Tobago; to ensure industrial efficiency and development; to promote 
public and industrial welfare, health and safety; and to protect the environment.  
The Bureau develops standards through consultation with relevan t interest groups, and public 
comment is invited on all draft standards before they are declared as Trinidad and Tobago Standards 
in accordance with the provisions of the Standards Act. All standards are declared with voluntary 
status and are enacted via a  Legal Notice in the Trinidad and Tobago Gazette.  
The Bureau is the legal custodian of the Trinidad and Tobago Standard Marks, which are issued in 
accordance with the Standards Act. When a Trinidad and Tobago Standard Mark appears on any 
product, or in con nection with any service, process or practice, it provides assurance that such a 
product, service, process or practice conforms to a Trinidad and Tobago Standard.  
The Bureau’s Standards Information Centre maintains a reference library of standards, includi ng local, 
regional and international standards and is the national node of the International Organization for 
Standardization Information Network (ISONET). The Centre serves as the World Trade 
Organization/Technical Barriers to Trade Enquiry Point , which d isseminates information on standards 
and technical regulations as it relates to the World Trade Organization, Technical Barriers to Trade 
Agreement. The Centre also acts as the sales agent for the publications of foreign and international 
standards organiz ations.  
NOTE  In order to keep abreast of progress in the industries concerned, Trinidad and Tobago Standards are 
subjected to periodic review. Suggestions for improvements are welcome.  PCTTCS 33:20XX  
iv 
 Contents         
Forewor d…………………………………………………………………………………………………….  1 
1 Scope ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….  2 
2 Normative references ……………………………………………………………………………………..  2 
3 Terms and definitions ……………………………………………………………………………………..  2 
4 Compulsory requirements …………………… ……………………………………………………………  3 
4.1  General requirements ……………………………………………………………………………………..  3 
4.2  Chemical and physical requirements ……………………………………………………………………  3 
4.3  Labelling requirements ……………………………………………………………………………………  4 
5 Conflict with other national standar ds and the laws of Trinidad and Tobago ……………………….  6 
6      Mechanisms to demonstrate compliance ……………………………………………………………….  6 
7 Meas ures related to non -compliance …………………………………………………………………..  7 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 PCTTCS 33:20XX  
1 
 Foreword  
These requirements were declared a Trinidad and T obago Standard on ….. , after the draft had been 
approved by the Trinidad and T obago Bureau of Standards  (TTBS) . 
TTCS 33 :20XX, Pepper spray - Compulsory requirements  was established in alignment with the 
principles of Good Regulatory Practices to outline minimum requirements for pepper spray . 
This s tandard was developed to support Act No.7 of 2021 , an Act to amend the Firearms Act Chapter 
16:01, the Firearms (Use of pepper spray) Order 2021 and the latest version of any of the 
aforementioned primary and secondary legislation s under the Ministry of National Security . 
TTBS has recommended that this s tandard be accorded compulsory status. This standard will 
become effective as a compulsory standard on a date to be notified by the Minister responsible for 
trade and industry in a Notice to be published in the Trinidad and Tobago Gazette, as required by t he 
latest version of the Standards Act (Chapter 82:03)  to: 
1) protect the consumer or use r against danger to health or safety;  and 
2) require adequate information to b e given to the consumer or user . 
 
 
This standard is intended for use by:  
 
i. manufacturers, agents , distributors, sellers , importers, wholesalers  and retailers  of pepper spray  
to assist in man ufacturing  or procuring products which satisfy minimum requirements an d 
demonstrate  compliance to this compulsory standard ; and 
ii. regulatory agencies  and Ministries  as a basis for assessing imported or locally  manufactured 
pepper spray  within an established re gulatory  framework.  
 
In developing this standard , considerable assistance was derived from the following documents:  
 Act No.7 of 2021, an Act to amend the Firear ms Act Chapter 16:01  
 Firearms (Use of pepper spray) Order 2021  
 ASTM E3187/E3187M, Standard Specification for Less Lethal Aerosol Devices Used by Law 
Enforcement, Corrections, and Other Public Safety Officers  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 PCTTCS 33:20XX  
2 
 1 Scope  
This standar d establishes chemica l, physical  and labelling requirements for pepper spray  intended for 
use on human beings .  
This standard applies to pepper spray , contained within a canister and delivered only as a fog or 
stream  containing : 
 Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) ; or 
 Major Capsai cinoids (MC).  
 
It does not apply to pepper spray  canisters  containing Chloroacetaphenone (CN) or Orthochloro -
benzalmalononitrile (CS).  
 
2 Normative reference  
The following document is referred to in the text in such  a way that some or all of its  content 
constitutes requirements of this document. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced 
document (including any amendments) applies.  
AOAC  International  
AOAC 995.03, Capsaicinoids in Capsicums and Their Extractives Liquid Chromatographic Method  
3 Terms an d definitions  
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply . 
3.1 
country of origin  
a) country where the goods were wholly manufactured; or  
b) in cases where the composition and or quality of the goods was changed to a signi ficant extent 
elsewhere (other than by packaging), the last country where such significant change occurred  
 
Note  1 to entry : A significant change in the product refers to where there is a change in the product that has 
resulted in a change of the Harmoniz ed Commodity Description and Coding System (HS Code) in alignment to 
the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Rules of Origin.  
3.2 
date of minimum durability  
date after which the manufacturer, importer or supplier does not guarantee any property of the  pepper 
spray  by reason of any foreseeable deterioration due to age or normal handling and storage  
3.3 
label  
any tag, brand, mark, pictorial or other descriptive matter, written, printed, stencilled, marked, 
embossed, impressed on, accompa nying or attache d to a canister  of pepper spray  PCTTCS 33:20XX  
3 
  
 
 
3.4 
pepper spray  
inflammatory agent which, when applied on the body  or any orifice  of an individual, may cause the 
mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, throat and lungs of the individual to become inflamed resulting 
in the  immediate closing of the eyes, difficulty breathing, runny nose, and coughing  
4   Compulsory requirements  
4.1 General requirements  
4.1.1  Upon visual inspection , the canister of pepper spray shall discharge when the actuator is 
activated and stop discharging wh en the actuator is de -activated.  
NOTE    The word “activate” refers to the pressing of the button on the pepper spray and “de -activate” refers to 
the releasing of the button.  
4.1.2  There shall be no evidence of leakage of the contents of the canister of p epper spray upon 
visual inspection.  
4.1.3       Methanol shall not be used as a propellant or solvent in the pepper spray  canister  when 
tested in accordance with a test method that is acceptable to TTBS . 
NOTE  The Gas C hromatograh is typically use d to detect the presence of methanol in pepper spray.   
4.1.4 Pepper spray  canisters  shall not be imported, manufactured or distributed in any format other 
than a fog or stream  when visually inspected . 
4.2 Chemical and physical requirements   
4.2.1  Canister s of p epper spray shall not contain Chloroacetaphenone  (CN)  or Orthochloro -
benzalmalononitrile (CS).  Safety data sheets and other documentation acceptable to TTBS, shall be 
submitted to TTBS upon request.  
NOTE      Other documentation includes  test reports , test certificates from accredited laboratories and certificates 
of conformity.  
4.2.2 Each canister of pepper spray shall not exceed the limits outlined in the most recent version 
of the Firearms (U se of Pepper Spray) O rder, as it pertains to the type of pepper spray, strength of 
pepper spray and the volumetric content of pepper spray canisters. The type of pepper spray and 
strength of pepper spray shall be tested in accordance with AOAC 995.03  or any other test methods 
that are acceptable to TTBS. The vo lumetric content of pepper spray shall be tested in accordance 
with any test methods that are acceptable to TTBS . 
 
NOTE   1   NIST Handbook 133 provides guidance for the testing of aerosol s as it pertains to tare weight  to 
determine the net quantity  of pep per spray . 
 
NOTE   2  The limits for pepper spray, as outlined in the Firea rms (Use of Pepper Spray) Order  2021, are 
provided in Table 1  for ease of reference of the information that was current at the time of the development of this 
compulsory standard.  
 PCTTCS 33:20XX  
4 
  
Table  1 — Limits for each canister of pepper spray  as outlined in the Firearms (Use of Pepper 
Spray) Order, 2021  
Type of pepper spray  Strength of pepper spray  
 Volumetric content per 
canister of pepper spray   
Oleoresin Capsicum 
(fogger or stream)  
 5 - 10 % by weight  
or 
not exceeding 5,000,000 
Scoville Heat Units (SHUs)  2 ounces (60 ml) to  
5 ounces (150 ml)  
 
Major Capsaicinoids  
(fogger or stream)  0.8 – 1.4 % by weight  
or 
not exceedin g 5,000,000 
Scoville Heat Units (SHUs)  2 ounces (60 ml) to  
5 ounces (150 ml)  
 
NOTE    The internationally acceptable  conversion factor for  ounces to grams is as follows:  
1 ounce (oz)  = 28.34952 g rams (g)  
 
 
4.3 Labelling requirements  
4.3.1 Canisters of p epper spray , or the packaging or both  shall be labelled in a legible, discernible 
and durable manner up to the point of sale , at a minimum  in the English Language  and the English 
alphabet.  
4.3.2   Where the brand name of the goods, or the name and address of the manufacturer of the 
goods or of such other person as required by this standard are not in the English Language, it shall 
not be necessary to translate the meaning of such name(s) and address into the English Language, 
but such information shall be s tated in a form using the English alphabet, with or without accent signs.  
The label on the canister of pepper spray , or the packaging or both  shall contain  the following 
information:  
a) brand name or trade name  
b) a state ment of : 
1) name of the manufacturer, agent,  distributor, seller, importer, wholesaler or retailer; and  
2) address, or the principal place of business or registered office of the manufacturer, agent, 
distributor , seller, importer, wholesaler or retailer of pepper spray.  
The above information shall be preceded by the words “manufactured by (name of entity)”, 
“distributed by (name of entity)”, or “imported by (name of entity)” as appropriate or any format that is 
acceptable to TTBS . 
NOTE  The list of acceptable formats for name and address is av ailable at  TTBS ’ website and is updated as 
necessary . 
c)  Warning statement(s)  PCTTCS 33:20XX  
5 
 EXAMPLE  “The contents are  dangerous – use with care” and “keep out of reach of children” are examples of 
warning statements.  
d) country of origin which  is stated with the following words as app ropriate  or any format that is 
acceptable to TTBS:   
1) “made in  (name of country) ”;  
2) “product of  (name of country )”;  
3) “manufactured in  (name of country) ”; 
4) “produced in  name of country) ”; and 
5) “packaged in  (name of country) ”. 
NOTE    It is useful that the conta ct information of the manufacturer,  agent, distributor, seller , importer, 
wholesaler, or r etailer responsible for the pepper spray  be placed on the label.  
EXAMPLE  Telephone number, email  address, website, QR code, social media handle etc.  
e) the net quantity of the pepper spray in grams or ounces (millilitres are permissible in addition to 
grams or ounces) , subject to such tolerance in accordance with the latest version of the 
Metrology Act (Chapter 82:06).  
f) percentage of active ingredi ents;  
g) batch number or lo t number ; if coded, the interpretation of the code  shall be communicated to 
TTBS  upon request ;  
h) serial number ;  
i) date of min imum durability expressed using the words  “best before”, “expiry” , “use by”, “BB” or 
“EXP”  in a format which is unambiguous  and accep table to the TTBS.  These words shall be 
accompanied by: either the date itself; or a refe rence to the location of the date . Two-digit year 
date markings may be acceptable only when the abbreviations are included as DD/MM/YY or 
YY/MM/DD as appropriate, with  the accompanying date marking, or when the  format  and date 
are acceptable to the TTBS.  
EXAMPLE 1  Acceptable date marking formats are as follows:  
i. JAN 22  
ii. JAN 2022  
iii. 13 JAN 2022  
iv. 01 2022  
v. 01 22 MM/YY  
 
EXAMPLE  2  Unacceptable date marking  formats are as follows:  PCTTCS 33:20XX  
6 
 i) 01 08  
ii) 23 05 24  
iii) 24 JAN 25  
j) statement or words of similar intent as follows:  
 “A person authoriz ed to purchase, acquire or have in his possession a canister of pepper 
spray, shall only use the pepper spray in self -defence”.  
4.3.3  Additional documentation ac companying the canister shall contain the following information:  
a)  storage conditions;  
b)  first aid instructions;  and 
c)  instructions for use.  
NOTE The additional information can be included on inserts on the  product,  package, or within the packaging 
of the canister  of pepper spray .  
5 Conflict with other national standards  and the laws of Trinidad and Tobago  
5.1   Whenever there is a conflict between the requirements of this standard and any other 
compulsory national standard(s) covering the same product (s) or categories of products, the 
standard(s) containing the more specific requirements shall take precedence.  
5.2   Whenever there is a conflict between the requirements of this standard and any other 
primary or secondary legislation of Trinidad and Toba go covering the same product(s) or categories of 
products, the primary or secondary legislation shall take precedence . 
6  Mechanisms to demonstrate compliance   
6.1 Locally  manufactured and imported pepper spray  canisters  and their  packaging shall comply 
with the requirements outlined in Clau se 4 of this standard. TTBS shall verify compliance to this 
standard and goods under the scope of this standard shall be subject to a mandatory conformity 
assessment programme administered by TTBS.  
EXAMPLE    Conformity a ssessment activities include inspection, testing, certification, verification and validation.  
6.2 TTBS may consider and accept information from other sources, such as third party testing, 
product certification and/or quality management system certification  from an accredited body. If an 
accredited body is not available, the information can be provided by a body approved by TTBS, 
subject to the terms and conditions of TTBS in accordance with the latest version of the Standards Act 
(Chapter 82:03), to provide  objective evidence of compliance to the standard. The information may 
include test reports and other relevant information. Provision of this information does not exempt 
TTBS from conducting any further conformity assessment activities deemed necessary to 
demonstrate compliance with the standard.    
NOTE  Pre-shipment approval can be sought from the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards.  PCTTCS 33:20XX  
7 
 6.3 In the event that the pepper spray  canister has a product certification mark,  the certification 
mark shall be genuine . Both the mark and the associated standard shall be submitted for approval by 
TTBS . 
6.4 Notwithstanding Clause 6.2 and 6.3 , TTBS reserves the right to sample and test for 
compliance to this standard in accordance with the latest version of the Standards A ct (Chapter 
82:03). Sampling and testing shall be done at the expense of the manufacturer,  agent, distributor, 
seller, importer or wholesaler of  the pepper spray  where  deemed necessary by TTBS.  
NOTE  The sampling plan is at the discretion of TTBS and can be  in alignment with ISO 2859 -1, Sampling 
procedures for inspection by attributes - Part 1: Sampling schemes indexed by Acceptance Quality Limit (AQL) for 
lot-by-lot inspection.  
6.5 All documentation pertaining to Clauses 4  and 6  shall be in the English Langu age. 
7 Measures related to non -compliance  
7.1 Goods under the scope of this standard that are found to be in non -compliance of any of the 
requirements, TTBS shall initiate any of the following actions:  
a) direct the manufacturer,  agent, distributor, seller, importer, wholesaler, or retailer responsible for 
the good  to remove non -conforming pepper spray  from use throughout Trinidad and Tobago 
within a specified timeframe;  
b) seize and detain non -conforming pepper spray  within the legal  framework in accordance wit h the 
latest version of the Standards Act (Chapter 82:03);  
c) prohibit the sale and distribution of non -compliant pepper spray  in Trinidad and Tobago;  
d) permit modifications necessary for compliance, where possible; or  
e) any action permitted by the latest version  of the Standards Act (Chapter 82:03).  
7.2 Any breaches to this standard are subject to fines and penalties in accordance with the latest 
version of the Standards Act (Chapter 82:03).