Knife dealer’s licence

You need a knife dealer's licence to carry out business as a dealer. The licence covers the following non-domestic articles:

• knives (other than folding pocket knives where blades do not exceed 3.5 inches (8.91cms) in length); or knives designed for domestic use
• daggers other than Kirpans or Sgian-dubh whose blades do not exceed 3.5 inches (8.91cms) in length
• knife blades (other than those designed for domestic use)
• swords
• Any other article which has a point or a blade.

The dictionary definition of “Domestic” is of or related to the home; of or related to activities associated with the home; wherever they actually occur.

The dictionary definition of a “dealer” is a person carrying on a business which consists wholly or partly of selling, hiring, offering for sale or hire, exposing for sale or hire, lending or giving to persons.

For further details on the legislation governing this type of licence see the Useful Links below:

Information on application

• how to submit an application
• the documentation and fee required
• the application process
• the time it takes to process your application
• the standard conditions attached to a Knife Dealer’s licence

Useful Links

• Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982

Related Publications

Regulation Team
Tel: 03451 55 11 77
By Post: Fife House North Street Glenrothes Fife KY7 5LT