Guide

Specialist retail licences and registrations

Specialist licences required for specific retail activities including tobacco registration, fireworks sales, pet shops, scrap metal dealing, and market trading. For general retail compliance, see the Start a retail business journey.

UK-wide

Most retail businesses need no specific licence to trade. This guide covers specialist licences required only if you sell specific regulated products or trade in particular ways.

For general retail compliance (consumer rights, age verification, VAT, PAYE), see our Start a retail business journey.

Activities not requiring a specific licence

Many retail activities do not require a specialist licence, though you must still comply with general trading law:

Tobacco and nicotine product registration

You must register with Trading Standards at least 28 days before selling tobacco or nicotine products. Registration is free but mandatory.

Fireworks licence

A licence is required to sell fireworks year-round. No licence needed if you only sell during traditional periods (Guy Fawkes, New Year, Diwali, Chinese New Year).

Pet shop licence (Animal Activities)

Selling animals as pets requires an Animal Activities Licence from your local authority. You'll be inspected and rated.

Scrap metal dealer licence

Buying scrap metal for resale requires a licence. Cash payments for scrap metal are illegal.

Market stalls and street trading

Trading from markets or public areas requires permission from your local authority or market operator.

Environmental registrations for retailers

Retailers importing electrical equipment or handling significant packaging may need environmental registrations.