The Home Office has opened a public consultation on proposals to introduce a licensing system for sellers and importers of knives and bladed articles. The consultation seeks views on the potential introduction of a new licensing framework and will inform future policy advice and decision-making by the Home Secretary and ministers. According to the Home Office, the aim is to gather evidence to support the development of proportionate and effective regulation.
The consultation is open to both the general public and directly affected stakeholders. Targeted respondents include police forces, the Crown Prosecution Service, community groups, businesses and relevant organisations involved in the manufacture, import or sale of bladed articles.
The Home Office said responses will help shape evidence-based policy and any subsequent legislative or regulatory changes arising from the proposals. Stephen Jolly, CEO of the Gun Trade Association, said: “It is clear that knife policy is currently a high political priority, and that context matters when considering both the timing and the approach taken by government. For the trade, the focus must remain on engaging constructively, presenting evidence and ensuring that legitimate businesses are properly understood within the policy process.
“We have agreed in principle to coordinate a response to the knife licensing consultation with a number of organisations, including the Countryside Alliance, BASC, the British Shooting Sports Council and the Deactivated Weapons Association. While the consultation itself takes the form of a survey, we do not believe the questions fully allow respondents to set out their position. For that reason, we intend to submit a separate response that reflects our views clearly and on our own terms. The key point is that there will be a coordinated, cross-organisational submission.”
The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 24 February 2026.