Scrap metal dealers

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 introduces the requirement for scrap metal dealers to record information about the receipt and disposal of metal for a period of three years.

If a scrap metal dealer receives any scrap metal in the course of a dealer's business, the dealer must record the following information:

• the description of the metal, including its type (or types if mixed), form, condition, weight and any marks identifying previous owners or other distinguishing features;
• the date and time of its receipt; 
• if the metal is delivered in or on a vehicle, the registration mark of the vehicle; 
• if the metal is received from a person, the full name and address of that person; 
• if the dealer pays for the metal, the full name of the person who makes the payment acting for the dealer; 
• if the dealer receives the metal from a person, the dealer must keep a copy of any document which the dealer uses to verify the name or address of that person; 
• if the dealer pays for the metal by cheque, the dealer must keep a copy of the cheque; and 
• if the dealer pays for the metal by electronic transfer the dealer must keep the receipt identifying the transfer, or if no receipt identifying the transfer was obtained, the dealer must record particulars identifying the transfer.

A scrap metal dealer must also keep the following records about the disposal of metal. For these purposes, metal is disposed of whether or not it is in the same form in which it was received; and whether or not the disposal is to another person; and whether or not the metal is dispatched from a site.

Where the disposal is in the course of business under a site licence, records include:

• the description of the metal, including its type (or types if mixed), form and weight; 
• the date and time of its disposal; 
• if the disposal is to another person, the full name and address of that person; and
• if the dealer receives payment for the metal (whether by way of sale or exchange), the price or other consideration received.

Where the disposal is in the course of business under a collector's licence, records include:

• the date and time of the disposal; and 
• if the disposal is to another person, the full name and address of that person.