As a vendor on Crafter’s Market UK, you are legally responsible for ensuring that all products you sell comply with UK trading standards, product safety laws, and relevant certifications. This applies whether you sell as a hobbyist or a full-time maker — selling products to the public is considered trading under UK law.
Below are the key areas of regulation that you may need to consider depending on what you sell, with links to official guidance.
📌 1. General Product Safety
Under UK law, every consumer product you place on the market must be safe for its normal or reasonably foreseeable use. This includes:
- Adequate packaging
- Clear instructions and warnings
- Appropriate labelling
- Taking steps to minimise risks to consumers
This general rule applies even if no specific certification exists for your product type. You must be able to demonstrate that the product is safe and fit for purpose.
➡️ Official guidance:
• UK Government Product Safety Advice — https://www.gov.uk/guidance/product-safety-for-manufacturers
🏷️ 2. UKCA Marking, Toys & Children’s Products
Some products sold in the UK require conformity assessment and marking to demonstrate they meet legal safety standards.
This commonly applies to:
- Toys
- Certain children’s products
- Electrical goods
- Some electronic items
- PPE and other regulated categories
UKCA Marking
The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking confirms that a product complies with applicable UK legislation for sale in Great Britain.
If your product falls under regulations requiring conformity marking:
- It must be properly tested or assessed
- You must hold supporting technical documentation
- The marking must be applied correctly
- You must be able to provide a Declaration of Conformity
You must not apply UKCA (or CE) marking unless your product legally requires it and has undergone the appropriate assessment process.
➡️ UK Government guidance on UKCA marking:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukca-marking
Toys & Children’s Products
If you sell products that could reasonably be considered toys — meaning they are designed or intended (even partially) for play by children under 14 — they are covered by the Toy Safety Regulations 2011.
This can include:
- Wooden toys
- Soft toys
- Activity kits
- Slime or craft kits
- Some dress-up accessories
- Sensory or play items
Toys must:
- Meet essential safety requirements
- Undergo appropriate conformity assessment
- Carry UKCA (or CE where still recognised) marking
- Include required safety information and warnings
- Have traceability details (manufacturer/importer name and address)
Even handmade toys must comply with these regulations.
➡️ Toy Safety Regulations (GOV.UK):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/toys-safety-regulations-2011
Important Note for Handmade Sellers
Stating “this is not a toy” in your listing does not automatically remove legal responsibility if the product would reasonably be considered a toy by Trading Standards.
Classification is based on the product’s design, presentation, and intended use — not just the wording in your listing.
If you are unsure whether your product qualifies as a toy or requires UKCA marking, you should seek guidance from your local Trading Standards office before listing the item for sale.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukca-marking
🕯️ 3. Candles, Wax Melts & Fragrance Products
Products like candles, wax melts, diffusers and fragranced items are covered under UK product safety rules and often require CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) labelling if they contain hazardous ingredients. This includes:
- Appropriate hazard symbols and precautions
- Allergen information where relevant
- Your business name and contact details on the label
Fragranced candles using fragrance oils often include UFI codes for emergency response information.
➡️ CLP Regulation Information (HSE):
https://www.hse.gov.uk/chemical-classification/legal/clp-regulation.htm
💄 4. Cosmetics & Beauty Products
If you make or sell products intended for personal care — such as soaps, lotions, balms, bath bombs or cosmetics — you must comply with UK cosmetic product regulations. This includes:
✔️ A Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) created by a qualified safety assessor before sale.
✔️ A Product Information File (PIF) kept for at least 10 years (accessible to enforcement authorities).
✔️ Correct labelling and ingredient listing under UK law.
➡️ Official UK Cosmetics Regulation (GOV.UK):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cosmetic-products-enforcement-regulations-2013
➡️ Safety of Cosmetics Guidance (CTPA):
https://www.ctpa.org.uk/safetyofcosmetics
🍽️ 5. Food & Drink
For anyone selling food, drink, or edible products (including baked goods, preserves, snacks, etc.) you must:
✔️ Register your food business with your local authority at least 28 days before you start selling.
✔️ Ensure food safety and hygiene practices are in place.
✔️ Follow allergen labelling rules and proper storage/transportation processes.
📌 A food hygiene certificate is not a legal requirement for all sellers, but you must demonstrate that all food handlers are trained appropriately and understand hygiene procedures.
➡️ Food Standards Agency – Starting a Food Business Safely:
https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/starting-your-food-business-safely
🔏 6. Copyright & Trademark
You must only sell products that you have the legal right to produce and sell. This means:
- You either own the intellectual property (design, artwork, brand, etc.)
- OR you have permission or licensing from the rights holder
Using someone else’s copyrighted work or trademarked logos without permission is unlawful and can lead to legal action or account closure under trading standards.
🧠 Summary – Your Responsibilities as a Vendor
As a seller on Crafter’s Market UK, you agree that:
- You are responsible for legal compliance of all products you list and sell.
- You must ensure products meet all relevant safety standards, labelling requirements and consumer protection regulations.
- You must hold valid safety documentation (e.g., CPSRs or conformity assessments) where required.
- You must keep records and be prepared to provide them to enforcement authorities if requested.
📎 Helpful Official Links
| Regulation Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Product Safety Law & Safety Obligations | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/product-safety-for-manufacturers |
| UKCA Marking | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukca-marking |
| CLP Regulation (HSE) | https://www.hse.gov.uk/chemical-classification/legal/clp-regulation.htm |
| UK Cosmetic Product Regulations | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cosmetic-products-enforcement-regulations-2013 |
| Toy Safety Regulations | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/toys-safety-regulations-2011 |
| Starting a Food Business | https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/starting-your-food-business-safely |