Scrap Metal Dealers

Scrap Metal Dealers Licence and Register

Apply for a licence 

Definitions 

The Act defines a scrap metal dealer as a person who is for the time being carrying on a business as a scrap metal dealer, whether or not authorised by a licence. 

It further states that "scrap metal" includes; 

  • any old, waste or discarded metal or metallic material; and 
  • any product, article or assembly which is made from or contains metal and is broken, worn out or regarded by its last holder as having reached the end of its useful life 

The following is not considered to be scrap metal; 

  • gold 
  • silver; and 
  • any alloy of which 2% or more by weight is attributable to gold or silver 

Key features of the Act 

  • all individuals and businesses complete an enhanced application process to obtain a scrap metal dealer licence. Local authorities will have the power to turn down unsuitable applicants 
  • local authorities have the power to revoke a licence 
  • all sellers of metal to provide personal identification at the point of sale, which is recorded by the scrap metal dealer 
  • extending the offence of buying metal with cash to itinerant metal collectors 
  • new powers for the police and local authorities to enter and inspect sites 
  • creating a central public register, hosted by the Environment Agency, of all individuals and businesses licensed as scrap metal dealers 
  • widening the definition of a scrap metal dealer to include motor salvage operators 

Scrap Metal Register 

https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-scrap-metal-dealers 

Tax 

From 4 April 2022, licensing authorities must carry out certain checks on applications from individuals, companies and any type of partnership to make sure they are aware of their tax responsibilities - if a new applicant - or have completed a tax check (for renewal applicants). 

This check applies to: 

  • driver of a taxi (hackney carriage) 
  • driver of a private hire vehicle (and dual licences) 
  • private hire vehicle operator 
  • scrap metal dealer mobile collector 
  • scrap metal dealer site 

Please read the following to determine what you need to do: 

If you’re an individual, company or any type of partnership you must complete a tax check if you’re: 

  • renewing a licence 
  • applying for the same type of licence you previously held, that ceased to be valid less than a year ago 
  • applying for the same type of licence you already hold with another licensing authority 

You can complete this tax check here. You will get a tax share code which you'll need to give us as part of your application. We'll use this code to receive confirmation from HMRC that you've completed the tax check. We will not have access to information about your tax affairs. 

You will not need to complete a tax check if you have: 

  • never held a licence of the same type before 
  • had a licence of the same type that ceased to be valid a year or more before making this application 

However you must still make yourself aware of the tax obligations by using the following website addresses. You will be required to confirm this awareness to us when making your application: