Can I take spray cans on a plane?

Checked against official sources ยท Updated ยท About

The short answer

Toiletry and medicinal sprays: allowed
Carry-on and checked. Max 0.5L per container and 2L in total per person
Bear/pepper/tear-gas spray: not allowed
Not in carry-on or checked baggage
International cabin: 100ml (3.4 oz) containers
In the 1-liter clear bag. Household sprays (e.g. waterproofing) are checked baggage only
"Keep away from fire..." = flammable gas
Only "Keep away from high temperatures" = non-flammable gas

1. Rules by type (conditions as dangerous goods, common to domestic and international flights)

These are the conditions for carrying sprays as dangerous goods. When carrying them on board an international flight, the liquid rules in section 4 below also apply (household sprays cannot be carried on board international flights).

TypeExamples (as listed)Rule
Toiletry spraysHair spray, antiperspirant, deodorant and refrigerant sprays, air freshener, disinfectant and anti-wrinkle sprays, etc.Allowed in carry-on and checked baggage (quantity limits apply)
Medicinal spraysAnti-inflammatory painkillers, anti-itch drugs, bug repellent, disinfectants and antiseptics, cold sprays, taping sprays, etc.Allowed in carry-on and checked baggage (quantity limits apply)
Other spray cansโ€”Allowed in carry-on and checked baggage only if they use no flammable or toxic gas and have no hazard other than compressed gas (quantity limits apply). For carrying on board international flights, see section 4 below
Bear spray, pepper spray, tear-gas sprayโ€”Not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage
Source

Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)

2. Quantity limits and protecting the nozzle

Source

Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)

3. How to read the label on the can

According to MLIT, the label on the can shows which gas is used.

Spray cans other than toiletries and medicines that use flammable gas do not meet the conditions for "Other spray cans" above.

Source

Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)

4. Carrying sprays on board international flights

Sources (2)

Source: MLIT Civil Aviation Bureau: "Security Control for Screening Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) carried into International Passenger Flights departing from Airports in Japan" (English version) (retrieved 2026-09-27)

Source: MLIT: "List and Description of LAGs Restriction" (English version of the list of liquids, 2015) (retrieved 2026-09-27)

Some airlines have stricter rules. On international flights, rules of other countries' authorities may also apply.

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