Licensing conditions for a scrap metal licence

Includes information you must keep and record.

Once issued, you must display the site licence in a prominent position either on the premises, or, for a collector's licence, on the vehicle you use for collecting scrap.

Scrap metal dealers cannot receive scrap without confirming and keeping copies of the identity of the supplier. The supplier must provide his or her full name and address, along with separate documents showing evidence of these details.

There must be no cash purchases of scrap metal in any circumstances - payments must be by cheque or electronic transfer of funds.

Information you must keep

You must keep:

  • your records in a manner which allows the information and the scrap metal to which it relates to be readily identified by reference to each other
  • all records for at least 3 years from the date you received or disposed of the metal
  • detailed records of all suppliers; people they sell to; a detailed log of the metal itself and copies of any payments you receive

If you trade in scrap metal then the customer must provide a valid personal ID at the point of sale.

Information you must record

You must record:

  • a description of the metal, including its type, form, condition, weight, marks identifying previous owners or other distinguishing features
  • the date and time of the receipt
  • the vehicle registration number of collecting vehicle
  • the name and address of the supplier
  • the name of the person paying the supplier for the metal
  • a copy of any document used to verify the name and address
  • a copy of the cheque, if the supplier is paid by this method
  • a receipt identifying the electronic transfer if payment was by that method, or, in the absence of a receipt, identifying particulars

You could be fined if you do not keep records.