the self-defense market | Italy

1.1 Definition and scope of study

Self-defense is the principle that allows one to protect oneself from an unjustified aggression. We distinguish between weapons that require a license and weapons that can be used without a license. The first category includes: firearms, tasers, and sidearms. In Italy, it is generally forbidden to leave the house with these weapons (including tasers), unless the law exceptionally allows it. Defense weapons that do not require a license, on the other hand, include: pepper spray and pepper gun, knuckle draggers, and electric bollards. Most of these items cannot be carried outside of one's home.

The global self-defense market size is expected to reach $3.6 billion by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period. In Italy, approximately 9% of Italians own a firearm at home for the purpose of self-defense. Despite the fact that the number of crimes and offenses has been declining for several decades, the "perception" of insecurity in the country is high and growing: in fact, 39% of Italians support the introduction of less stringent criteria for owning a firearm for self-defense.

In 2015 the data was only 25%. The growth of the market globally is mainly attributed to the increasing incidences of civil unrest, while in Italy it is attributed to the citizens' perception of safety. Major players in the market include: Leonardo; Beretta; Victorinox; Unisafe Technologies; GERBER GEAR; SABRE Security Equipment Corporation; Mace Security International, Inc.; Axon Entereprise Inc.; Salt Supply Company; and Self Defense Weapons.