Soapmakers in trade - few questions... pls check this!

[Manchy]

Today I found out it will not be possible to buy lye unless you have a firm and pass some kind of a test about handling dangerous chemicals. I live in Croatia, Europe. I already have a trade, but now I'll have to open a firm. This is just driving me mad.

What I was wondering is - how things work in your respective countries? What are the obligations and rules for soap makers? What diplomas do you have to have, what kind of business do you have to run, and what kind of tests do you need to put your products on the market?

It all seems a bit rigorous here, so I just wanted to check how it works else where.

Thanks very much to everyone who reads, and especially, answers to this! I really need some of your thoughts and views on this now.

 

[Lindy]

In Canada you don't need a license to purchase lye. To make & sell you soap you do need to register with the government as all soaps are cosmetics. Each recipe you sell must be registered. There are no costs associated with it and it is not difficult at all.

 

[madpiano]

I am in the uk and I buy lye at the local DIY store. You shouldn't need a firm but as lye can be used to make bombs I can understand if they sell only to companies. Try and look for drain cleaner.

 

[Tabitha]

In the US lye is a class 8 hazardous material. There are both shipping & storage regulations for assorted classes of hazardous materials. Here is some info:

http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/ ... lass8.html

It is also significant for Mexico and Canada.