BHETA is alerting garden, tools, and DIY suppliers to a Government proposal to introduce a mandatory licensing scheme for all sellers and importers of bladed articles. For the purposes of the proposed legislation, knives are defined as bladed items, which includes products such as pruning knives and tile cutting knives.
While acknowledging that the Home Office’s objective is to help tackle knife crime, the trade association is warning that the proposals could create substantial cost, complexity, and time burdens for legitimate businesses. BHETA’s General Manager, Steve Richardson says that garden, tools, and DIY businesses – suppliers, retailers, and importers - must engage with the current Government consultation.
The Home Office consultation on knife licensing, which closes on 24th February 2026, proposes a mandatory licensing regime for any business that sells or imports knives – defined for the purpose as bladed items. While knife crime is driving the policy agenda, the proposals would apply directly to legitimate kitchenware and housewares businesses supplying everyday domestic knives.
Steve explained, “If implemented as currently outlined, the proposals would mean that manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, online sellers, and bricks-and-mortar retailers of bladed items could 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 the housewares industry to influence how any future licensing regime is structured and applied.”
Under the current proposals, the Government is considering:
- A mandatory licensing system for all retailers selling bladed items in the UK, both in-store and online
- Licensing for commercial importers of bladed items, 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 housewares businesses reliant on international supply chains.
Steve continued, “Understandably, levels of knife crime remain a major public concern, and the Government is under intense pressure to act, and believes that existing age-verification and enforcement measures are applied inconsistently. So, the consultation is exploring whether licensing sales of bladed items could provide greater oversight and accountability throughout the supply chain, particularly for online and distance selling.
“While, BHETA fully supports responsible retailing, preventing access to knives by under-18s, and tackling criminal misuse we are concerned that a broad, one-size-fits-all licensing regime - could impose significant burdens on responsible housewares businesses without delivering proportionate crime-reduction benefits.”
The BHETA campaign – and how to get involved
BHETA met with Home Office officials on 22nd January for an initial discussion on the proposals and has also convened meetings with suppliers and retailers to assess the potential impact and agree shared priorities.
The trade association is now organising a follow-up meeting between BHETA members and the Home Office, giving businesses the opportunity to raise practical and commercial concerns directly with policymakers. Industry representation must be backed by individual responses, however.
Every business involved in the manufacture, import or sale of bladed items is strongly encouraged to respond to the consultation before 24 February 2026. Responses can be submitted via the Government’s online consultation or by email to KnifeLicensingConsultation@homeoffice.gov.uk.
Steve Richardson added, “Many suppliers and retailers of bladed items already operate robust age-verification systems and compliance processes. Additional licensing costs, new operational requirements and potential disruption to imports could be particularly challenging for SMEs, while doing little to address criminal misuse occurring outside legitimate retail channels. So, BHETA’s priorities are to ensure that any licensing regime is proportionate, workable, and evidence-based, and that it recognises the difference between legitimate kitchen, garden and DIY tools and products associated with criminal misuse.”
BHETA is coordinating responses and supporting members throughout the process. Businesses seeking guidance or wishing to align their response with the wider industry position can contact Steve Richardson at sr@bheta.co.uk or on 07967 814192.
Link: Licensing for knife sales (accessible) - GOV.UK
