Search for a genuine NATO jerry can and two Latvian names keep coming up: Wavian and Valpro. Both are 0.9 mm steel, NATO-pattern cans, and some overland writers describe the can bodies as essentially identical. So which should a US buyer pick? The answer comes down to the spout, the compliance status, and whether you can get one at all.
The short answer
For use in the US, especially in California and other CARB states, buy the Wavian. It's sold here as EPA and CARB compliant with a spring-loaded safety spout included. Valpro makes a very similar can body, but the version you can find comes with no spout or with an open military-style spout. We found no US EPA or CARB compliance claim for it, and US stock is hard to find.
Side by side
| Wavian (US version) | Valpro | |
|---|---|---|
| Made in | Latvia | Latvia (Valmiera) |
| Steel | 0.9 mm cold-rolled, fully welded seams, anti-corrosive coating | 0.9 mm cold-rolled per DIN 7274, UN approved. Coating details vary by listing. |
| Sizes | 10L and 20L | 5L, 10L and 20L (EU). US stock varies. |
| Colors | Red, yellow, blue, OD green, black | Olive, red, blue and black seen in the EU. US stock varies. |
| Spout | Included: bayonet-attached spring-loaded safety spout | Not included. Optional open, flexible metal spout (about $27–30 in the US) |
| EPA / CARB | Sold as EPA and CARB compliant as supplied | No US compliance claim found, and not on CARB's container list |
| US availability | Widely stocked | Sporadic. Often sold out. |
| US price, 20L | About $120 at RV Parts Giant | About $130 where listed, spout extra |
Prices and stock change often. They're shown here as of November 2026.
The can body: very close
Both brands build to the NATO pattern in Latvia from 0.9 mm steel, with the classic three-handle top and the recessed X-pattern sides. If you only care about the shell, you won't find much to choose between them. Both are thicker than many lookalike "NATO-style" cans, some of which use 0.8 mm steel or less.
The spout: the real difference
This is where they split. Every new Wavian fuel can sold in the US comes with Wavian's spring-loaded safety spout. It locks on with a bayonet and shuts off the moment you let go. Valpro cans are usually sold without a spout. The common add-on is an open, flexible metal spout with no automatic shutoff. It pours fast, which is why some off-roaders like it, but it doesn't meet US portable fuel container rules. One buyer also reported that the Valpro-style spout doesn't fit the US-model Wavian without modification, so don't count on swapping spouts between them.
More on the Wavian spout in our Wavian jerry can spout guide.
Compliance: why it matters in the US
Since 2009, gas cans sold in the US have had to meet EPA evaporative rules, and California's CARB rules are stricter still. The Wavian cans we sell are listed as EPA and CARB compliant as supplied, with their spout. We found no EPA or CARB compliance claim for Valpro's cans in the US, and Valpro isn't on CARB's list of approved portable fuel containers. In practice that means it may not be legal to sell or ship as a gas can in CARB states. If you live in California, or just want to stay on the right side of the rules, that settles it.
Which should you buy?
- Pick Wavian if you're in the US, want a spout in the box, need EPA/CARB compliance, or just want a can you can actually order today.
- Valpro makes sense mainly if you're outside the US, or you're specifically after the open military-style spout for off-highway use and accept the compliance trade-off.
FAQ
Are Wavian and Valpro the same can?
They're very similar Latvian 0.9 mm steel NATO cans, and some overland sources call them identical. Neither company says they come from the same factory, though. The big differences for US buyers are the included safety spout and the compliance status.
Is Valpro CARB compliant?
We couldn't find a CARB or EPA compliance claim for Valpro cans in the US, and Valpro doesn't appear on CARB's list of approved portable fuel containers.
Can I use a Valpro spout on a Wavian?
Not reliably. At least one buyer reported that it doesn't fit the US-model Wavian without modification. Use the spout made for your can.
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