BHETA is alerting all businesses involved in the manufacture, import, distribution, or sale of bladed articles to a Government proposal to introduce a mandatory licensing scheme for sellers and importers. While recognising that the Home Office’s objective is to help tackle knife crime by strengthening controls within the supply chain, the trade association is warning that the proposals could create substantial cost, complexity, and administrative burdens for legitimate businesses across multiple sectors.
BHETA is urging all affected businesses — including those supplying kitchen knives, cutlery, tools, gardening products, trade tools, and other bladed items — to engage with the current Government consultation. The proposed legislation could fundamentally change how bladed products are sold and imported in the UK.
The Home Office consultation, which closes on 24 February 2026, proposes a mandatory licensing regime for any business that sells or imports knives or other defined bladed items. While knife crime is driving the policy agenda, the proposals would apply directly to legitimate businesses supplying everyday products used in domestic, commercial, and trade settings.
If implemented as currently outlined, the proposals could mean that manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, online sellers, and bricks-and-mortar retailers of bladed products may all be required to hold licences and meet new regulatory conditions. Although legislation has not yet been drafted, the consultation will directly shape the final policy design. This makes the current consultation period the most important opportunity for industry to influence how any future licensing regime is structured and applied.
What the Government Is Consulting On
Under the current proposals, the Government is considering:
- A mandatory licensing system for all retailers selling bladed articles in the UK, both in-store and online
- Licensing for commercial importers of bladed products, with several structural options under review
Potential licence conditions could include enhanced age-verification requirements, more secure storage and handling procedures, and additional staff training. Enforcement measures may include licence suspension or revocation, as well as financial penalties.
Import licensing options range from authorised importer schemes to combined importer-retailer licences. These could increase costs, administrative complexity, and lead times for businesses reliant on international supply chains.
The Industry Context
Knife crime remains a major public concern, and the Government is under pressure to act. The consultation is exploring whether licensing knife sales could provide greater oversight and accountability throughout the supply chain, particularly for online and distance selling.
BHETA fully supports responsible retailing, preventing access to knives by under-18s, and tackling criminal misuse. However, there is concern that a broad, one-size-fits-all licensing regime could impose significant burdens on responsible businesses without delivering proportionate crime-reduction benefits — particularly where criminal misuse occurs outside legitimate retail channels.
BHETA’s priorities are to ensure that any licensing regime is proportionate, workable, and evidence-based, and that it recognises the differences between legitimate everyday tools and products associated with criminal misuse.
Industry Engagement — Consultation and Home Office Meeting
Following the launch of the Licensing for Knife Sales Consultation, BHETA has arranged a session for members and interested retailers to hear directly from Home Office officials.
This session will also provide an opportunity for businesses to share feedback directly with policymakers.
Home Office Industry Meeting
Date: 11 February 2026
Time: 2:00pm
To attend, please email: info@bheta.co.uk
BHETA strongly encourages all businesses involved in the manufacture, import, or sale of bladed articles — regardless of size or sector — to attend if possible.
Respond to the Consultation — Deadline 24 February 2026
Every business in the supply chain is strongly encouraged to respond to the consultation before 24 February 2026.
All details, including the proposals and ways to respond, can be found on GOV.UK: Licensing for knife sales – GOV.UK
Responses can be submitted via the Government’s online consultation or by email to:
KnifeLicensingConsultation@homeoffice.gov.uk
Industry representation is strongest when supported by individual business responses. The consultation will directly influence how any future licensing system is designed and implemented.
BHETA Support for Industry
BHETA is coordinating industry engagement and supporting members throughout the process. Businesses seeking guidance or wishing to align their response with the wider industry position can contact BHETA Member Services.
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