Frequently asked questions
This page will grow as we develop. Questions we've been asked
already appear below:
How do I apply to join the Guild?
How seriously will people take a
Guild that is free to join?
Have you ever refused an application to
join the Guild?
Is there a list of approved suppliers?
How do I get permission to make and sell
soaps and toiletries?
How does the Guild set standards?
How do I find out more about the
legislation?
My safety certificates show details of
my formulas and product recipes, do I need to show you this
information?
How do I apply to join the Guild?
To join the Guild all that we require are the following:
1. We'd like to see copies of the product safety certificates issued
by your chemist, a sample of certificates will suffice if you have a
large product range OR a letter from your chemist confirming
that they have safety checked your products and how many.
2. You agree to hold suitable liability/product insurance to cover
your trading activities. This is a condition of membership but
we do not require to see copies of your insurance certificates.
Note: Such insurance may not be available in every EU country, each
application will be judged on its merits, but generally in cases
where such insurance cover may not be available an assurance that
the crafter is working legally in line with local legislation will
be requested.
Please do not send originals of any documentation
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How
seriously will people take a Guild that is free to join?
You shouldn't confuse 'free to join' with 'easy to join'! Only
crafters who can prove that they conform to legislation will be able
to join us. This involves a certain effort on the part of the
Crafter. Their products have to be submitted for testing, they
have to source their raw materials from reliable and reputable
suppliers and ensure that each step of their procurement and
production process is documented. Crafters joining the Guild
also have to show evidence that they hold
public liability insurance.
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Have you ever refused an
application to join the Guild?
No! However several applications have been withdrawn or not
been proceeded with after we asked for additional information or
queried details on the application. Several callers decided
not to carry their initial contact any further after it became clear
that they did not meet our membership criteria.
Is there a
list of approved suppliers?
We have heard mention of 'approved
suppliers' being used in relation to soap and toiletry making. There is no list of approved suppliers
as such. An approved supply line is one where the chemist
who is testing the end product is satisfied that the manufacturer
or producer of the raw material being used has produced a safe
product. The tester is happy for it to be used in the final
product. This is usually ascertained by the paper trail from
producer to point of supply. Basically an approved supplier
is any producer or manufacturer that satisfies the requirements of
the person testing the product. Testing Chemists may have different views
about different products and suppliers.
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How do I get
permission to make and sell soaps and toiletries?
You don't need permission to become a crafter, you do however
need to comply with the legislation which relates to the end
product. This basically means that you cannot sell any
products to the public until they have been tested and certified
safe by a chemist who has undergone specialist training. Before beginning selling you also have to
register with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS),
formerly the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory
Reform (BERR) - (BERR, was formerly the DTI). In short anyone can
make and sell craft soap and toiletry items as long as they conform
to the legislation. The legislation only relates to selling
the product, it does not for example prevent you from making soaps
and toiletries for personal use
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How does the Guild
set standards?
The Guild exists to raise awareness of
existing standards. The Guild does not set standards, these have
already been put in place by Government. Neither does the
Guild involve itself in approving suppliers of raw materials and
products. As raw materials used in craft products must be safety
tested and certified before the end product can be legally sold,
standards in the area of supply are maintained by those who test the
products. Testing is carried out by chemists who have undergone
specialist training
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How do I find out more about the
legislation?
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, guidance note on the Cosmetic Regulations can be viewed
at:
My safety certificates show details of my formulas and product recipes, do I need to show you this information?
No!!! Safety certificates do not follow a standard format and some show more information than others. If this information is included on your documents please feel free to blank it out, we only need to see those parts of the certificate that state 'product safe' and chemists details. Details about how you make your products are commercially sensitive and we do not require them. If your chemist is happy that they are safe that meets our criteria. In any case only the registrar sees these certificates, and strict confidentiality is maintained at all times. At no time will an active crafter be shown commercially sensitive information relating to your product range.
Additional questions will appear as they are asked...