About Bit Beads

Descriptions, metals and who we are not selling to

Bit Beads Ltd is registered in England and Wales for other retail sale via stalls and markets (SIC 47890). Its registered office is 6 Churchill Walk, Bognor Regis PO21 4TR.

Descriptions. Goods are described by material. “Silver” and “gold” are not decorative adjectives: under the Hallmarking Act 1973 it is an offence to describe an un-hallmarked article as being wholly or partly of a precious metal, subject to the exemption weights, and plated or coated items must not be described as silver or gold at all. Glass is not sold as crystal or gemstone; acrylic is not sold as glass or stone. Where a bead is dyed, coated or reconstituted, we say so. Natural materials vary between batches and we do not represent them as uniform.

Metals and skin. Articles intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin are subject to restrictions on the rate at which they may release nickel, under entry 27 of Annex XVII to the assimilated REACH Regulation. That restriction exists because nickel sensitisation is common and permanent. If metals affect you, ask before buying, and treat any item whose composition we cannot confirm as unsuitable.

Children. Our materials are sold for craft use by adults and are not sold or marketed as toys. Anything supplied or marketed for use in play by children under fourteen is a toy within the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 and must meet those requirements, including on small parts. Loose beads are a choking hazard for small children, and cord worn around the neck is a strangulation hazard. We will give that warning at the stall rather than assume it is obvious.

Trading, and what we do not claim. Trading from a stall normally requires the market operator’s permission or a street trading consent or licence from the local authority, depending on the location. This website claims no licence, no pitch, no accreditation, no trade association membership, no insurance, no award, no hallmarking registration and no sponsor’s mark. Where we will be trading, and when, varies with the season and the weather — contact us before making a journey.