Retailers selling knives in South Australia should be aware of significant new compliance obligations coming into effect on 1 July 2026 as part of the State Government’s knife crime reforms.
The new requirements focus on three key areas: secure storage, mandatory signage and online sales obligations.
Secure Storage Requirements
From 1 July 2026, knives with a sharp cutting edge or sharp point that are displayed in publicly accessible areas must be secured so they cannot be accessed by customers without staff assistance.
Retailers can comply by either storing the knives in a locked cabinet or container, or by securely tethering them to prevent customer access.
The requirements generally apply to knives with a sharp cutting edge or sharp point. However, several products are exempt, including:
- Razor blades permanently enclosed in cartridges
- Disposable plastic or wooden eating knives
- Butter knives, table knives and similar cutlery without a sharp point
Retailers should review their product ranges to identify any products that may require additional security measures before the commencement date.
Mandatory Signage
All retailers selling knives will also be required to display signage advising that knives cannot be sold to persons under 18 years of age.
The legislation specifies the wording, size and visibility requirements for the notice.
The requirements are that the following words be displayed in legible letters or numerals 15 millimetres in height or larger and in a colour that contrasts with the background colour of the notice:
IT IS UNLAWFUL TO SELL KNIVES TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS. PERSONS MAY BE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE EVIDENCE OF AGE WHEN MAKING A PURCHASE
Retailers should ensure compliant signage is displayed at all locations where knife sales occur.
The SA Government have prepared a poster your business can print and display.
