for sellersHow to sell handmade crafts from home in the UK: the rules for candles, soaps, jewellery, toys and upcycled furniture
You do not need a licence to sell handmade crafts from home in the UK, but every product must be safe and properly labelled with your name and address and any warnings. Some crafts have extra rules: scented candles and wax melts need CLP hazard labels, soaps, bath bombs and balms are cosmetics and need a safety assessment and a GOV.UK notification before sale, toys need UKCA marking, upholstered furniture must meet fire-safety rules, and silver or gold jewellery over certain weights must be hallmarked. Everyday crafts (prints, cards, ceramics, wood, knitwear, home décor) just need to be safe and as described.
The rule that applies to everything: product safety
Under the General Product Safety Regulations, anything you sell to consumers must be safe in normal use. In practice that means: use materials suited to the job, give instructions and warnings where there is a risk, put your name and address (and a product or batch reference) on the product or packaging, and keep a simple record of what you made and who supplied the materials. If you discover a problem after selling, you must act on it.
Product by product
| Product | Extra rules | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Scented candles, wax melts, reed diffusers | CLP (hazard labelling) and candle safety warnings | Most fragrance oils are classed as hazardous, so the label needs the CLP pictograms, hazard statements and your contact details. Your fragrance supplier provides a safety data sheet and usually the CLP wording for your fragrance load. Add standard candle safety warnings (never leave unattended, keep away from children and pets). |
| Soaps, bath bombs, lip balms, body butters | UK Cosmetics Regulation | These are cosmetics. Before you sell, each formula needs a Cosmetic Product Safety Report from a qualified safety assessor, a named Responsible Person (usually you), a product information file, and notification on GOV.UK's Submit Cosmetic Product Notifications (SCPN) service. Labels need ingredients in INCI names, weight, batch code and your address. |
| Toys, soft toys, baby items | Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 | Anything designed for children under 14 to play with must be tested, carry a UKCA mark and have a technical file. It is expensive for one-off makers, so many label decorative pieces clearly as "not a toy". |
| Upcycled upholstered furniture, cushions, headboards | Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 | Fillings and covers must meet ignition-resistance standards and carry a permanent label, including second-hand pieces you sell as a business. Painted or refinished furniture with no upholstery does not fall under these rules; use child-safe finishes on children's furniture. |
| Jewellery | Hallmarking Act 1973; nickel limits | Items described as silver must be hallmarked over 7.78g; gold over 1g. Metal that touches skin must meet nickel-release limits: buy findings from suppliers who confirm this. |
| Lamps and anything electrical | Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 | Use certified components and fittings, and get advice before selling rewired vintage lamps. |
| Cards, prints, ceramics, woodwork, knitwear, décor | General product safety only | Safe, as described, labelled with your details. Ceramics used for food or drink must use food-safe glazes. |
Your local Trading Standards service can give business advice, and many offer a free or low-cost check for new businesses.
Consumer rules for selling online
When you sell online, customers normally have 14 days to cancel after receiving the item. That does not apply to items made to the customer's specification (personalised and custom commissions) but every item must still be as described and of satisfactory quality.
Tax and insurance
The first £1,000 a year of trading income is tax-free; above that, register as self-employed with HMRC. Product and public liability insurance is strongly recommended: makers' policies start at a few pounds a month.
Where to sell handmade crafts
- Etsy, Folksy, Not On The High Street: for small items you can post nationally. See how they compare on fees.
- Cravers Eats: a free local shop where customers nearby order and pay by card, and you keep 95%. Customers collect or you deliver locally, which suits bulky, fragile and made-to-order pieces: furniture, large décor, candle gift sets and commissions people like to collect.
- Craft fairs and markets: best for being seen and for seasonal peaks.
Sell on Cravers Eats
A new local marketplace for anyone who makes and sells from home: bakers, cooks, florists, crafters and makers, opening across the UK in early 2027. Founding sellers join free now and set up before launch day. Customers order and pay by card, you keep 95%, and there are no monthly fees.
Join as a founding sellerQuestions people ask
Do I need a licence to sell handmade items in the UK?
No licence is needed for most handmade items. Products must be safe and labelled with your name and address. Specific rules apply to scented candles (CLP labels), cosmetics like soap (safety assessment and SCPN notification), toys (UKCA marking), upholstered furniture (fire safety) and precious-metal jewellery (hallmarking).
Can I sell homemade candles in the UK?
Yes. Scented candles and wax melts usually need CLP hazard labelling because most fragrance oils are classed as hazardous, plus candle safety warnings and your contact details. Your fragrance supplier's safety data sheet gives the information you need.
Can I sell homemade soap in the UK?
Yes, but soap is a cosmetic. Each formula needs a Cosmetic Product Safety Report from a qualified assessor and notification on GOV.UK's SCPN service before sale, plus a compliant label.
Can I sell upcycled furniture?
Yes. Painted or refinished furniture just needs to be safe. Anything upholstered (including second-hand pieces) must meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations and carry the permanent label.
Where can I sell handmade items locally in the UK?
Cravers Eats is a free UK marketplace for makers, florists and home food sellers. Customers nearby order and pay by card; sellers keep 95% and choose collection or their own local delivery.
Sources: GOV.UK guidance on the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, cosmetic products and SCPN, the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and hallmarking; HMRC trading allowance; Cravers Eats seller terms. Last reviewed 2026-11-05.