PAVA is approved for police and prison service use in the United Kingdom. British police forces had traditionally used CS gas spray, but with the more widespread carriage of tasers, PAVA has now entirely replaced its predecessor due to its non-flammable nature.
Both PAVA and CS are prohibited under Section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 as a "weapon of whatever description designed or adapted for the discharge of any noxious liquid, gas or other thing", meaning that it is unlawful for a member of the public to possess them. Police officers, prison officers and other servants of the Crown have lawful exemption to possess and use PAVA. They are therefore exempt from prosecution under this act and section.