Regulation Summary
A summary of the regulation relating to this registration Greater Manchester Act 1981 (Section 54) (External Link)
Apply for Registration
Apply online for registration to act as a dealer in second hand goods (External Link)
Downloadable application for registration to act as a dealer in second hand goods (.pdf, 166KB)
Public Register
The legislation does not require a register of all dealers in second hand goods to be kept. However if you would like to know if a dealer is registered please contact the Trading Standards & Licensing Section using the details below.
Application Process
There is no fee payable in respect of this application. Receipt of your completed application will be confirmed in writing.
Registrations which are issued are valid for a period of 3 years from the date on which the entry was made in the register. A copy of the registration must by law by displayed at the premises.
Your application will be processed by the Trading Standards & Licensing Section within 10 working days from receipt of your application.
Will Tacit Consent Apply?
Yes. This means that if you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from us by the end of the target completion period.
If you wish to confirm your registration has been granted please contact us. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service 
or use the contact details below.
Registration Requirements
The law states that all registered traders in second hand goods must keep a book in they must record every transaction. The details to be recorded are:-
- date the transaction took place;
- details of the quantity;
- a description of any articles that you obtain; and
- the name and address of the person from whom you got them.
The book must be kept for a period of one year from the date that the last transaction is entered in it. It is an offence not to keep the records or not to keep the book for a year and if convicted you could be fined up to £200.
Failed Application / Licence Holder Redress
Please contact the Trading Standards & Licensing Section in the first instance using the contact details below.
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 of a letter (with proof of delivery). If this 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
British Antique Dealers' Association (BADA) (External Link)
Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association (PBFA) (External Link)
