Scrap Metal Dealer Licence

If you are a scrap metal dealer you must display a copy of your licence at all times:

• For site operators this must be in a prominent place in an area accessible to the public
• For mobile collectors, it must be in a place where it can be easily read by a person outside your vehicle

Failure to meet these requirements is a criminal offence.

The Act places a requirement on scrap metal dealers to verify the identity of the person you are receiving metal from, and their address. This verification must be done by reference to reliable documentation, such as a passport, driving licence and a bank or utility bill. It is an offence not to obtain and verify the seller's identity.

Records must be kept in respect of any scrap metal received, sold, exchanged or disposed by you in the course of your business. This includes:

• The type of metal being purchased
• The time and date of the transaction
• Personal information of the seller
• Who is acting on behalf of the dealer
• Proof of the non-cash transaction

You cannot use cash to buy and sell scrap metal as the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 Legislation doesn’t allow the use of cash in the industry.

We, and the police, have been given powers to enter and inspect premises. As the licensing authority we have to be satisfied that you are a suitable person to carry out business as a scrap metal dealer. In considering suitability, we must consult with:

• Any other local authority, if you are making an application to them too
• Natural Resources Wales
• The police

We will assess the following criteria:

• Whether you or any site manager has been convicted of any ‘relevant offence’
• Whether you or any site manager has been the subject of any relevant enforcement action
• Any previous refusal for issue of or renewal of a scrap metal licence
• Any previous refusal for an environment permit or registration
• Any previous revocation of a scrap metal licence
• Whether you have demonstrated that there will be adequate procedures to comply with the Act

All of the above will apply to any director or any secretary of a company if you are not an individual.

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 came into force on October 1, 2013. This Act covers both scrap metal dealers and motor salvage operators under one licensing regime. We continue to act as the main regulator, but the new Act gives more powers, such as refusing or revoking a licence if the dealer is considered unsuitable.

Before applying for a licence you must:

• Have a basic disclosure certificate, the disclosure must be no more than 3 months old.
• Have a Waste Carriers Licence from Natural Resources Wales.
• Provide two passport photos, if applying for Mobile Collectors Licence only.
• Be aware of the relevant fees required for your licence. 

The application will take between 1 - 2 weeks to process. You must send all documentation together with the application or we can't process it.

You must renew your Mobile Collectors and Site Licence every three years. You should contact us at least two months before your licence expires so that it gives us time to process your renewal application.

If you are applying for a Mobile Collectors Licence: Once the application has been completed we will send you a Collectors Licence and two ‘Registered Scrap Metal Dealers Record Books’. The records must be kept for two years beginning from the day the last entry was made in the book. 

If you require more Scrap Metal Dealers Record Books from us you can call us on 01267 234567. The books cost £5 each.

Application Form     Consent Form

The following information will help us to identify the unlicensed dealer or collector:

• Vehicle registration numbers
• Photos
• Any known addresses the dealer is operating from
• Contact telephone numbers
• Adverts, any links to social media

To report an unlicensed dealer or collector anonymously you can call the Contact Centre on 01267 234567 or email us at PublicProtection@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

You do not have to provide your details, but it will help the investigating officer if you can be contacted as we might need more information. Any details provided are confidential.