Do You Need a License to Sell Baked Goods from Home UK? Legal Requirements and Guidelines Explained

Thinking about selling baked goods from home in the UK? You’re probably asking yourself if you need a license to get started.

You don’t need a specific license, but you do have to follow some rules and register your food business with your local council. That registration’s free and required by law, so it’s not something you want to skip.

You’ll also need to stick to food hygiene laws to keep your customers safe. Even though a food hygiene certificate isn’t mandatory, it’s a smart move—it helps you understand hygiene standards and gives customers a bit more confidence.

Knowing these requirements might save you from fines or having to shut things down unexpectedly. If you want more details on food hygiene and registration, check out this guide on selling baked goods from home.

Legal Requirements for Selling Baked Goods from Home in the UK

Once you decide to start selling baked goods from home, you’ve got to follow a few rules to keep things above board. Registering your business, getting the right permissions, and sticking to food safety rules are all part of the deal.

These steps aren’t just red tape—they help your business run smoothly and keep customers safe.

Food Business Registration

Register as a food business with your local council before you start selling. This step is free, and you need to do it even if you’re only selling now and then.

Authorities use this info to keep track of who’s operating and to offer help or inspections if needed. You should register at least 28 days before you begin selling anything.

If you skip registration, you could get fined or told to stop trading. Usually, you just fill out a quick form online or at the council office.

Licenses and Permits Needed

Most of the time, you won’t need a special license or permit to sell baked goods from home in the UK. But you do need to let HMRC know you’re self-employed so you can handle your taxes properly.

If you plan to sell at markets or events on a regular basis, you might need a street trading license. That depends on your local area’s rules.

Check with your council if you’re not sure about extra permissions.

Food Hygiene Regulations

You’ve got to follow UK food hygiene laws to keep your baked goods safe and your business legal. Taking a basic food hygiene course is a really good idea.

Courses usually cost about £20 and you can do them online. Make sure your kitchen stays clean and free from pests.

Store ingredients properly and clearly label any allergens. Councils may come by and inspect your kitchen to see if you’re meeting hygiene standards.

If you ignore these rules, you risk penalties or having to shut down. For more details, check out the official guidance on selling food from home.

Standards and Best Practices for Home Bakers

Make sure your baked goods are safe and clearly labelled. Good packaging and storage keep your products fresh and help protect your customers.

Allergen Labelling Rules

You need to let customers know if your baked goods contain any of the 14 major allergens—like nuts, dairy, gluten, or eggs. This info should be super clear and easy to spot.

List your ingredients on the label. Highlight allergens using bold text or a different font.

If there’s a chance of cross-contamination, say so—something like “may contain traces of nuts” works. Selling on social media or at a market? Put allergen details on your product pages or packaging.

It helps customers make safe choices and keeps you on the right side of UK food law.

Packaging and Storage Guidelines

Choose packaging that shields your baked goods from damage, dirt, and moisture. It should keep food fresh and block out anything that could contaminate it.

Label each package with the date of baking. Add a clear “best before” or “use by” date, so people know when to enjoy the treats safely.

Store everything in clean, cool places—definitely away from strong smells and pests. If you use a fridge, check that it keeps things at the right temperature to stop spoilage.

Pick packaging that’s easy for customers to open. Still, it needs to stay secure enough to protect your product while it travels.