BHETA is urging all businesses involved in the manufacture, import, distribution, or sale of knives and other bladed articles to respond to the Government’s proposed knife sales licensing regime before the consultation closes on Tuesday 24 February 2026.
The proposals could introduce a mandatory licensing system affecting a wide range of legitimate businesses — not only kitchen knife suppliers, but also sellers of cutlery, garden tools, trade blades, craft tools, and other everyday bladed products.
A Consultation That Affects the Entire Supply Chain
The Home Office consultation proposes licensing requirements for sellers and importers of bladed articles, with potential new conditions covering retail operations, supply chains, and compliance procedures.
While the policy objective is to strengthen safeguards and help tackle knife crime, the proposals would apply directly to legitimate businesses across multiple sectors, including:
- kitchenware and tableware suppliers
- garden centres and horticultural retailers
- builders’ merchants and trade suppliers
- hardware and DIY retailers
- craft, stationery and hobby suppliers
- tiling, flooring and specialist trade retailers
- online sellers and marketplaces
Businesses that import bladed products could also be affected, depending on the final structure of any licensing regime.
What the Government Is Proposing
The consultation explores:
- mandatory licensing for retailers selling bladed articles, both in-store and online
- licensing options for importers
- possible licence conditions such as enhanced age verification, secure storage, and staff training
- enforcement measures including licence suspension, revocation, and financial penalties
Although draft legislation has not yet been published, consultation responses will directly influence how any future regime is designed and implemented.
Key Implications for Retailers and Suppliers
If introduced, licensing could lead to:
Increased compliance requirements
New administrative processes, staff training obligations, and operational procedures.
Additional costs
Licence fees, compliance investments, and potential supply chain delays.
Supply chain complexity
Import licensing options may affect sourcing, lead times, and logistics.
Competitive pressures
Industry concerns remain that increased regulatory burdens on UK businesses may make overseas direct-to-consumer sellers more attractive to price-sensitive buyers.
Enforcement and operational uncertainty
Details of how licensing would be enforced and administered are still under consideration.
BHETA’s Position
BHETA fully supports responsible retailing and measures that prevent under-18 access to knives and tackle criminal misuse. However, the association believes:
- the existing legislative framework already provides robust controls
- greater investment in enforcement would deliver more effective outcomes
- a blanket licensing regime risks imposing burdens on compliant businesses while doing little to disrupt criminal supply routes
- any import licensing system should apply equally to all importers, including individuals, to avoid regulatory loopholes
- policy should adopt a risk-based approach, recognising the difference between everyday domestic and trade tools and products associated with misuse
BHETA has emphasised that poorly defined product scope risks capturing low-risk items such as cutlery, gardening tools, craft scissors, and specialist trade tools, diverting attention from higher-risk channels.
Industry Engagement Matters
BHETA recently facilitated a session between members and Home Office officials to discuss practical implications and ensure industry concerns are heard.
However, individual business responses remain essential. Government decisions will be shaped by the evidence and perspectives submitted during the consultation.
Deadline: Tuesday 24 February 2026
All businesses involved in selling or importing bladed articles — regardless of size or sector — are strongly encouraged to respond before the deadline.
Full consultation details and response instructions are available on GOV.UK.
BHETA Support
BHETA is supporting members throughout the process and continues to represent industry concerns to policymakers.
Businesses seeking guidance can contact BHETA General Manager, Steve Richardson at sr@bheta.co.uk
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