UK Government launches consultation on licensing for knife sales

The UK Government has opened a public consultation on proposals to introduce a licensing system for sellers and importers of knives and bladed articles. The consultation, published by the Home Office on 16 December 2025, seeks views from the public, businesses, community groups, and law enforcement agencies. It will remain open until 11:59pm on 24 February 2026.

Overview of the proposals

The proposed licensing scheme would require mandatory licences for businesses, private sellers, and importers of knives and bladed items. Sellers could be subject to police suitability checks, mandatory age verification, and secure packaging requirements. Import licences would prevent sellers from moving operations overseas to avoid regulation. The measures aim to strengthen safeguards against illegal knife sales and reduce access to dangerous weapons.

The consultation builds on recent legislation, including Ronan’s Law, which tightened rules for selling knives online. It also follows recommendations from the Independent Review of Online Knife Sales, led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) knife crime lead Commander Stephen Clayman.

Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP said:

“Knives destroy lives, families, and communities. That’s why this government is committed to halving knife crime within a decade. We want to know if licensing measures like those in this consultation could save lives by making knife sales safer and more accountable and stop them falling into the wrong hands”.

Commander Stephen Clayman, NPCC lead for knife crime, commented:

“Throughout our end-to-end review of online knife sales, the need for better retailer regulation came up time and time again. Whether online or traditional high street shops, we must do all we can to prevent knives ending up in the hands of children and others who carry through fear or for use with offending”.

The consultation is also supported by campaigners, including Pooja Kanda, mother of Ronan Kanda, who said:

“A licensing system will add a vital layer of protection and ensure that only responsible, accountable sellers are allowed to trade in these dangerous items. Because in the wrong hands, these weapons destroy families”.