Charity bags must show the charity’s name and registration number, the cause, the distribution company’s details and how much of the proceeds the charity will receive, and collections from homes generally need a licence in England and Wales.

What charity bags are and who runs them

The Fundraising Regulator says charity bags are a common fundraising method, with donated items usually sold to raise money for the charity or given to those it supports. Charities sometimes distribute and collect bags themselves, but this is more often done by a company on the charity’s behalf under an agreement covering where and how often bags are delivered. You may also receive bags for items that are not being collected for charitable purposes; if you are being asked to donate for charity, the regulator says this must be clearly stated on the bag.

Charity bags are usually posted through your letterbox and often carry written instructions on what can be put in them, such as unwanted clothes, shoes, toys or homewares. The regulator’s topic page adds that the Advertising Standards Authority has also published guidance on collection bags, to make sure bags and collection materials give the public enough information.

What must be printed on the bag

According to the Fundraising Regulator, a charity bag must show the name and registration number of the charity on the front and back; what cause is being fundraised for; the distribution company’s name, registration number and place of registration on the front and back, printed the same size as or larger than the charity’s name; and how much or what proportion of the money raised the charity will receive. If the charity or company is registered with the Fundraising Regulator you may see its Fundraising Badge, and you can search its directory. The charity and company must have an agreement covering how much the charity receives, either a percentage or a flat fee, which you can ask about.

Licences and the law

Charities and their bag distributors must follow the Code of Fundraising Practice and, according to the regulator, the House to House Collections Act 1939, which requires a licence or permit from the local authority for collecting donations from homes. There are 47 national charities that are exempt and do not have to register with each authority; the National Exemption Order webpage lists them. Section 1 of the 1939 Act says no collection for a charitable purpose may be made unless its licensing requirements are met, and makes it an offence for a promoter or collector to act without the right licence. Legislation.gov.uk shows that section extends to England and Wales, so if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, ask your local council about licensing where you live. If unsure whether a bag collector holds a licence in your area, contact your local authority’s licensing team.

How to recognise a genuine collection

The regulator says a genuine charity bag should say when the collection is scheduled, and you should tell the charity if someone takes your bag before that date. Collectors should display their logo on their vehicle, and you should contact the charity if bags are being collected in an unmarked van. They should also be able to show photo ID with their name and organisation contact details if asked. You can check the registers of charities in England and Wales or Northern Ireland to confirm the organisation named on the bag is a registered charity. If you think a bag is fraudulent, contact the named charity first, and you can report concerns to Report Fraud.

Stopping unwanted bags and complaining

If you do not want bags, display a “no charity bags” sign on your door or ask a charity to record your address on its no-delivery list. Charities and companies must respect your wishes, and if they do not they may be in breach of the code. Raise the issue with the charity first, because that is often quickest; if you are not satisfied you can complain to the Fundraising Regulator, and you can also complain to your local authority, since deliveries must follow the licence terms. You can always donate directly to a charity shop or clothing bank instead.

FAQs

Are all clothing collection bags for charity?

No. The Fundraising Regulator says you may receive bags for items that are not being collected for charitable purposes, but a bag asking for charity donations must say so clearly.

How do I check a charity number?

The regulator says you can check the registers of charities in England and Wales or Northern Ireland to confirm the organisation named on the bag is a registered charity.

Can a collector take a bag before the stated date?

The regulator says the bag should state the collection day or date and that if you see someone take a bag before that date you should tell the charity.

Bottom line

Before you fill a charity bag, check the charity name and registration number, the distribution company details and the share of proceeds the charity receives, and check the register if anything looks unclear. If in doubt, donate directly at a charity shop or clothing bank. This is general information, not legal advice.

Sources

This guide draws on the following primary sources, current as of 20 September 2026:

• Fundraising Regulator, “Charity bags: advice for the public”
• Fundraising Regulator, “Charity bag collections”
• legislation.gov.uk, “House to House Collections Act 1939, section 1”

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