Making and Selling toys..

[FelixCited]

Hi I am interested in making toys and selling them. They will sell for between 5-15 pounds, It will be just a hobby and sell at school/church fayres or to friends.

Do you have to 'tell anyone official' or declare it to the tax man?
I don't think I'll be a millionaire.. just don't want to 'get into trouble!'
thanks FC

Hi :)

Yes, you would need to tell HMRC. You'll need to fill in a form every year telling them how much you've made, and pay tax on your earnings. It's not that complicated and it's free if you earn under 5k, so don't be put off. You can even deduct what you spend on materials etc from your profits, so you don't pay more tax than you need to.

You might, though, run in to trouble trying to sell toys if they're aimed at children (as opposed to ornamental), as there are all sorts of European safety laws you have to comply with - I don't know any more about those, but it would be worth asking Google :)

Hth

THanks, that does help a lot :)

Hi there
Just a word of warning that the toy regs are amazingly lengthy. I've web working with my local trading standards man and finally got there a while ago, but you do have to read through the regs and there are tests too that you will need to do.

If you are serious you will need to label and test appropriately. Not doing so can land you with a hefty fine.

Feel free to pm me if you want.

X
Krysia

you would also be wise to take out a public liability insurance policy, or similar, something that covers you if anything went wrong with any of your products.

anything aimed at small children needs to go through testing. this site will give an idea of what's involved, there are some links to the testing procedure too.

blimey, sounds like a nightmare to sort out :(
what do people who sell on etsy type sites do?
are they expected to jump through the same hoops.
Thanks to all that answered my op

Felix, I'd hazard a guess they're more ornamental than toys, i.e. not intended for kids?