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Government introduces stricter age verification and delivery rules for online knife retailers

knives
Photo: iStock

In a bid to better protect young people and prevent knife-related violence, the government has announced tougher age verification measures for online knife sales and a ban on doorstep deliveries of bladed weapons.

These new rules are part of a broader strategy to halve knife crime within the next decade.


Under the new regulations, online retailers will be required to implement a stringent two-step verification process. Customers purchasing knives will need to provide photo identification, such as a driving licence or passport, at the point of sale and again upon delivery. Additionally, delivery companies will only be permitted to hand over bladed articles to the individual who made the purchase, with doorstep drop-offs strictly prohibited if no one is available to receive the package.

The measures also include the potential for customers to submit a current photo or video of themselves alongside their ID, as well as proof of address, such as a utility bill.

“It’s a total disgrace how easy it still is for children to get dangerous weapons online,” home secretary Yvette Cooper said.

“More than two years after Ronan Kanda was killed with a ninja sword bought by a teenager online, too many retailers still don’t have proper checks in place. We cannot go on like this. We need much stronger checks – before you buy, before it’s delivered.”

The announcement follows a comprehensive review led by Commander Stephen Clayman, the national police lead on knife crime, which examined the online sale and delivery of knives. The full report, expected by the end of the month, is set to recommend stronger ID checks as a key solution to the problem.

In addition to these measures, the government has already committed to holding social media companies accountable for content that glorifies or incites knife violence. Senior executives could face fines of up to £10,000 if they fail to promptly remove such material from their platforms.

The new rules will be included in the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill, which is expected to be introduced to Parliament by spring.

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