Do I need to register as a business to sell handmade goods?

Whether a maker needs to be a registered business to sell, what a trader is under EU law, and what changes for buyers depending on which you are.

Checked against the national sources on 2026-08-05.

Do I need to register as a business to sell handmade goods online?

That depends on your own country and on how much you sell, and no marketplace can answer it for you. What EU law does require is that you tell buyers which you are: a business, called a trader, or a private individual selling occasionally. Makli asks you to say, and shows it on your shop.

What is a trader?

Someone selling as part of a business, trade or profession, rather than selling off a few things they no longer want. Selling regularly, buying materials to make stock, and running a shop that is open all year all point towards being a trader, whatever the size of the business.

What changes if I sell as a private individual instead?

Two things a buyer sees. Your contact details are kept off your listings, and buyers are told that the 14 day right to change their mind does not apply to your sales, because that right runs against traders. If you are in fact a business, both of those are wrong, and getting it wrong that way is the expensive one.

Can I change my answer later?

Yes. You can update it in Shop Setup at any time, and your listings update with it. If your situation changes, for example you register a business partway through the year, change it then rather than waiting.

This is a summary, not legal advice. If you are unsure about your situation, check with your national scheme or an advisor.