Regulation Summary
Apply for Registration (New & Renewal)
Buying Scrap Metal for Cash
The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 received Royal Assent on 1 May 2012. The legislation set out changes to the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 that currently regulates the scrap metal industry. The changes aim to remove the rewards that make metal theft such a low risk criminal enterprise for metal thieves and unscrupulous dealers.
As of 3 December 2012 it is now a criminal offence for scrap metal dealers to payment for scrap metal in cash. Only electronic payment ot payment by cheque is permitted.
Public Register
No. The legislation does not require a register to be kept.
Eligibility Criteria
A scrap metal dealer shall be classed as carrying on a business in the local authority area if any of the following apply:
- the dealer occupies a place as a scrap metal store in the area
- the dealer does not occupy a place as a scrap metal store but has a usual place of residence in the area
- the dealer does not occupy a place as a scrap metal store but occupies a place for business purposes
Application Process
Applicants must provide the following:
- their full name
- the address of the dealer, or in the case of a company, their registered or principal office
- the address of each place occupied as a scrap metal store, if any
- if the business is carried on without a scrap metal store
- if the business is carried on without a scrap metal store but the applicant occupies a place for the purposes of business, and the address of such a place
There is no fee associated with this application. Receipt of your completed application form will be confirmed in writing, and a certificate of registration issued.
Registrations issued are valid for a period of 3 years from the date on which the entry was made in the register. A further application for registration must therefore be made before the expiry date.
The registered dealer must notify the local authority of any changes to these details or if they cease to be a scrap metal dealer.
Will Tacit Consent Apply?
No. It is in the public interest that we must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the Trading Standards & Licensing Section within a reasonable period, please contact it.
Change of Circumstances
Any change of circumstances in relation to an existing registration must be notified to the relevant local authority. This includes the surrendering of a registration or any other material change to the registration or how you operate.
Failed Application / Registration Holder Redress
Please contact the Trading Standards & Licensing Section in the first instance.
Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Citizens Advice Consumer Service (External Link) will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre (External Link) .
Trade Associations
* This page was last reviewed on 13 March 2013 *
