Anyone who runs a kitchen table crafts and skills business must comply with the following legislation. This is not an exhaustive list, and legal advice should always be taken before making any business decisions.

  • The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 cover the supply of all new and second-hand products that are intended for, or likely to be used by, consumers. They require craft makers and sellers to ensure that products are safe to use and accompanied by appropriate safety instructions.
  • The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 gives the creator of any piece of creative art or craft work automatic ownership of the copyright in the work. Anyone wishing to copy it must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
  • The Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 require that toys intended for children aged 13 or under meet essential safety requirements and bear the CE product safety mark.

See also: Kitchen table craft business ideas


  • The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 set minimum levels of fire resistance for domestic furniture and furnishings.
  • Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on Cosmetic Products requires anyone who makes and sells cosmetics and toiletries (such as handmade soaps) to ensure that they are safe when used normally or in a ‘reasonably foreseeable’ way. It also prohibits the use of certain ingredients and requires makers to have their products assessed and certified.
  • The Hallmarking Act 1973 requires anyone who imports or retails items made from gold, silver, platinum or palladium to ensure that each item has been independently tested and hallmarked before offering it for sale.

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