How Old Do You Have To Be To Buy Razor Blades?

Many shavers are surprised to hear that buying razors, or razor blades has restrictions in most countries. specifically, the United States and the U.K. 

Indeed, in those nations, it is stated that the blades of the safety razors and the straight razors are so dangerous that minors are hard to control them. So, the rules were released.

Then, how old do we have to be to buy razor blades? Let’s go with us to find out today.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Buy Razor Blades?

According to the Criminal Justice Act 1988 in the UK, there is a said that:

“It is an offence for any person to sell to a person under 18:

• any knife, knife blade or razor blade

• any axe

• any other article that has a blade or is sharply pointed and is made or adapted for use for causing injury to the person

The prohibition does not apply to:

• folding pocket knives if the cutting edge of the blade is less than 7.62 cm (three inches). 

• replacement cartridges for safety razors, where less than 2 mm of the blade is exposed

Whether a particular article is a knife is a question of fact, but using a wider definition this legislation prohibits sales of, for example, sheath knives, kitchen knives, craft knives, and carpet knives to persons under 18. The prohibition is not intended to apply to articles such as scissors or compasses.

The maximum penalty on summary conviction is 6 months imprisonment or a fine of £5,000 or both.”

Therefore, 18 years old is the one. 

To be clear, it’s illegal to buy a razor blade when you are under the age of 18. It’s also illegal to sell a razor blade to someone who is under the age of 18.

On the websites, razor blade sellers even have the terms and conditions that their items are only for people who are over the age of 18 only. 

Reason For Age Restrictions When Buying Razor Blades

One of the most common reasons why there is a prohibition for buying of razors by underage people is because of the possibility of the underage committing crimes against others.

Exemptions To The Age Restriction Rule

There are exemptions to the rule that buyers of shaving razors should be at least the age of 18.

One of these is that kids under the age of 18 can buy a razor whose blade is exposed for less than 2 millimeters. Minors can also buy things such as disposable razors and disposable blades.

However, it’s advisable for underage persons to use an alternative to shaving razors. They can ask their guardians to accompany them to the store if they really need to purchase a shaving razor.

What Are The Consequences Of Selling Razor Blades To Persons Under The Age Of 18?

The fine for the offense of selling razor blades to underage persons differs from one country to the other. 

For instance, in the U.K, anybody who sells a razor blade to a person under the minimum age commits an offense under the law.

There are penalties that can include a fine, imprisonment, and both. There are, however, laws that provide a legal defense, also referred to as due diligence.

If you can prove to the court of law that you took the necessary measures, necessary precautions, or carried out the due diligence to avoid committing the offense, you may be off the hook. 

This means that it’s your sole responsibility to ensure that you and your staff don’t sell age-restricted products such as razor blades. To do this, you will need to ensure that you have an effective system in your business. 

Guide To Selling Razor Blades To Persons Under The Age Of 18

In order for razor blade sellers to avoid finding themselves on the wrong side of the law, there are several guidelines they should follow.

By following these guidelines, you can also use them to defend yourself against the offense of selling a razor blade or any other age-restricted product to a person under the age of 18. These are:

Ask for identification

If as a trader you are unaware of the age of the buyer, it’s advisable to ask for an identification card. You can also ask for other documents such as a valid passport or driver’s license.

Challenge 21 or challenge 25

If you sell age-restricted products such as razor blades in countries such as England and Wales, you are supposed to verify the age of anyone who looks below 25 or 21. 

Train staff

It would be helpful to train staff and carry out a refresher course so that your team is updated with the law. Ensure that the training is documented as it will be helpful in court.

Signage

Ensure that there are signs in your shop reminding customers and staff of the age restriction.

Till prompts

If you have a till prompt, you will need to use it for products with an age restriction such as razor blades.

Placement of products

If you have a number of products in your store with an age restriction, the product placement can be a good way of restricting the sale.

By using this method, you will put the product in a place where the buyers will need to ask the sellers to assist them instead of choosing themselves.

CCTV

When you have CCTV in your store, this can be a great strategy that can help to prevent underage sales. With CCTV, you can also easily monitor any blind spots.

Selling online

In case you sell online or got a website, you need to ensure that you have a security system that is able to verify the age of the customers or at least have your terms of service that visitors are supposed to agree to.

Maintenance of register

You should ensure that you maintain a record of the date, time, and incident description of the potential buyer) where you have denied minors an opportunity to buy a razor blade. This can prove that you have actively refused to sell or you have an effective system.

You should ensure that you regularly check these systems and update them when necessary.

For instance, you need to update the system if there are any loopholes or if it needs to be updated to catch up with technological advances. This will enable you to identify and correct any weaknesses you may find in the system.

Alternatives To Razors And Razor Blades For Shavers

For shavers who are underage, it doesn’t mean that they cannot groom up and look good. There are some options that they can use as alternatives to shaving. 

• Hair removal cream.  But the downside of the creams is that they only work for a short period.
• Scissors. Not only are they allowed for all ages but they are also easy to use. 
• Electric shaving razor
• Tweezing. However, this option is only effective for areas with small hairs.

Conclusion

It’s illegal to sell for or let minors who are under 18 buy a razor blade. Keep in mind that and be careful when selling razor blades. Hope this article will be a helpful assistant to your precaution notes.