Tear Gas Market Report 2026

The tear gas market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.36 billion in 2025 to $1.45 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to early development of chemical irritants for crowd control, adoption of tear gas by law enforcement agencies, advancements in cartridge and capsule delivery systems, integration of multi-chamber gas dispensers for controlled dispersion, government and institutional funding for non-lethal weapons research.

The tear gas market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.87 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising demand for drone-mounted tear gas dispensers, development of advanced thermal dispersion and delivery technologies, expansion of multi-chamber and precision-controlled tear gas devices, adoption of next-generation cartridges for rapid deployment, increased collaboration between manufacturers and law enforcement agencies for enhanced crowd control solutions. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of non-lethal crowd control devices, rise in drone-mounted tear gas dispersal systems, development of multi-chamber and hybrid gas formulations, enhanced safety-focused formulations with reduced long-term toxicity, growth in compact, consumer-grade personal defense tear gas products.

The increasing civil unrest is expected to propel the growth of the tear gas market going forward. Civil unrest refers to a situation where a group of people in a community or country engages in public disturbances due to dissatisfaction with political, social, or economic conditions. The increase in civil unrest is due to rising economic inequality as growing wealth gaps create frustration and distrust among those who feel left behind, often leading to protests and social instability. Tear gas controls civil unrest by temporarily turning off crowds through eye and respiratory irritation, allowing law enforcement to disperse gatherings without lethal force. For instance, in March 2025, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, an Australia-based government agency, in the December quarter of 2024, there were 69 industrial disputes, an increase from 63 in the previous quarter. Therefore, the increasing civil unrest is driving the growth of the tear gas market.

Key companies in the tear gas market are forming strategic partnerships to target private security firms, specialty retailers, gun owners, and e-commerce consumers. For example, in January 2024, Mace Security International, Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer, partnered with Salt Supply, LLC, a U.S.-based technology company, to launch the S2 Pepper Launcher. This high-velocity launcher features a 5-shot magazine and tamper-resistant packaging, capable of dispersing non-lethal powder at targets up to 60 feet away. The product combines the launcher with potent pepper and tear gas projectiles and is designed for easy use and accessibility, requiring no permits or background checks in all 50 states. Mace’s expansion into this market reflects the growing demand for innovative personal safety solutions amid rising security concerns and reinforces its leadership in the non-lethal weapons industry.

In August 2025, EDGE, a UAE-based advanced technology and defense company, acquired a 51% stake in Condor Non-Lethal Technologies for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, EDGE aims to significantly enhance its capabilities and expand its presence in the global non-lethal technologies (NLT) market. Condor Non-Lethal Technologies is a Brazil-based defense company specializing in tear gas and other related products.

Major companies operating in the tear gas market are ST Engineering, Safariland LLC, Chemring Group PLC, Senken Group Co. Ltd., Combined Systems Inc., TAR Ideal Concepts, Defense Technologies International Corp., NonLethal Technologies Inc., CNO Tech, Hong Jin Chemical, Federal Laboratories, DaeKwang Chemical Company, Sage Ordnance Systems Group, Lamperd Less Lethal Inc., Condor Non-Lethal Technologies, Wuwei Police Equipment Co. Ltd., Dayu Chemical, Alsetex, Norinco, Shanghai Nianxing Industrial Co. Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the tear gas market in 2025. The regions covered in the tear gas market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs have influenced the tear gas market by raising the cost of key chemical precursors, metal housings, and delivery mechanisms, thereby increasing overall manufacturing expenses and delaying cross-border supply flows. These impacts are most pronounced across segments such as CS and OC gas formulations, aerosol packaging, and delivery systems including canisters and launchers, particularly in Asia-Pacific and North American manufacturing hubs. Some regions have benefited from tariffs through strengthened domestic production incentives, encouraging local sourcing and boosting regional competitiveness despite higher import costs.

The tear gas market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides tear gas market statistics, including the tear gas industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the tear gas market share, detailed tear gas market segments, market trends, opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the tear gas industry. This tear gas market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

Tear gas is classified as a chemical weapon that induces intense irritation in the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, resulting in symptoms such as excessive tearing, coughing, breathing difficulties, and temporary loss of vision. It is frequently deployed by law enforcement agencies for purposes such as riot control, dispersing large gatherings, and self-defense. While its effects are generally short-lived, exposure to high concentrations or at close proximity may result in more severe health complications.

The primary types of tear gas include ortho-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS) gas, chloroacetophenone (CN) gas, dibenzoxazepine (CR) gas, and oleoresin capsicum (OC) gas. CS gas is a rapidly acting agent used by law enforcement for controlling crowds, leading to temporary irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system with minimal toxicity. It comes in various forms, such as liquid, powder, and grenades, and is packaged in multiple ways, including aerosol cans, plastic containers, and metal drums. Delivery systems for tear gas include canisters, firearms, and grenade launchers, and it is utilized across applications such as military, law enforcement, self-defense, crowd management, and personal security.

The countries covered in the tear gas market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The tear gas market consists of sales of drone-mounted tear gas dispensers, tear gas capsules or cartridges, multi-chamber gas dispensers, thermal dispersion tear gas devices. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.