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The Scrap Metal Dealer's Act 2013 replaces the Scrap Metal Dealers' Act 1964 and part 1 of the Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001 (motor salvage operators).
In addition to a licence under the 2013 Act, the following may be required:
a waste management licence or a hazardous waste licence from the Environment Agency
registration of the business with the Health and Safety Executive
planning permission for the use of any premises in connection with the business
Scrap metal dealers and motor salvage operators will both be 'scrap metal dealers'
An enhanced licence application process, including consultation with the Police, Environment Agency and HMRC (Tax)
A site licence (may be for multiple sites within the council's area)
A 'site' is any place occupied for the purposes of the scrap metal dealer's business; a site licence holder may collect scrap metal, but only by prior arrangement
A Collector's licence (separate licences are required for each council area where collections take place)
A mobile collector must not occupy a site for the purposes of their scrap metal business, but may collect scrap metal without prior arrangement
New (April 2022) - From 4 April 2022, there will be a small addition to the checks licensing bodies already have in place. You'll need to complete a tax check with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) when you renew your site or collector's licence. What you need to do will depend on whether you're applying for a licence for the first time or whether you're making a subsequent application, such as renewing a licence.
Power for the council to refuse or revoke licence or impose conditions where appropriate, subject to the right to make representations before refusal, revocation or the imposition of conditions (these are limited to times of operation and a requirement that metal will be kept in its original form for minimum of 72 hours)
The licence must be displayed at site or on mobile collector's vehicle where it can be read by the public
Sellers must produce prescribed personal ID (photo ID) and proof of address at the point of sale - the dealer must keep a record of the documents produced
There may be no cash purchases of scrap metal in any circumstances - payment must be by cheque or electronic transfer of funds
The Police and the council will have powers to inspect sites and records of scrap metal transactions
There will be a central on-line register of licences published by the Environment Agency
Application fees are set by each council
Closure Notice (from police or council) for unlicensed sites; Closure Orders (via Magistrates' Court) if still used as such after seven days.
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