Registration of Scrap Metal Dealers

Background
The Scrap Metal Dealers' Act 1964 requires any individual or business dealing in scrap metal to be registered with the city council. The Vehicle (Crimes) Act 2001 and the Motor Salvage Operators Regulations 2003 provide a framework for the registration of motor salvage operators.

Scrap Metal Dealers' Act 1964
The legislation requires anyone who carries on a business as a scrap metal dealer to be registered with the city council if:

• a place in the city is occupied by them as a scrap metal store

• if they do not have a scrap metal store, their usual place of residence is in the city

• if they do not have a scrap metal store, but occupy a place in the city wholly or partly for the purposes of the business

Application for registration is by completion of the from (see related documents). The application does not attract a fee.

Registrations last for three years, and if not renewed by the scrap metal dealer, must be cancelled by the city council.

Requirements to keep records
Scrap metal dealers are required by section 2 of the Scrap Metal Dealers' Act 1964 to keep a book containing detailed records of all scrap metal received, processed or dispatched from any place occupied by them for the purposes of the scrap metal business. The records must give the following information:

• a description of the scrap metal and its weight;

• the date and time it was received;

• the full name and address of the person from whom it was received;

• the price payable for it or its value;

• if the scrap metal was delivered by vehicle, the registration number of that vehicle;

• the date the scrap metal was processed or dispatched;

• the full name and address of the person to whom the scrap metal was sold or exchanged and the price;

• if the scrap metal is disposed of otherwise than by sale or exchange, its value immediately before its disposal or processing.

Such record books must be kept for a minimum of two years after the last entry and any police officer has a right to inspect them at any reasonable time.

The guidance provided in these pages is on a "best endeavours" basis - if you intend to make a business or other critical decision on a licensing matter, you must seek your own independent legal advice. City council officers cannot give you legal advice about your application.

Register
Register entries for scrap metal dealers appear in the online licensing register - see the online service link.

Contact information
Telephone: 023 8083 3245

Email: licensing@southampton.gov.uk

Fax: 023 8083 4061

Postal address:
Licensing Team
Southampton City Council
PO Box 1344
Southampton
SO15 1WQ

Document Exchange: DX 115710 Southampton 17

Personal callers:
Licensing Team
Southbrook Rise
4-8 Millbrook Road East
Southampton
SO15 1YG

Opening hours:
Members of the licensing team will normally be available at Southbrook Rise to assist personal callers on weekdays between 09:00 and 12:00 and between 14:00 and 16:00. We may be available at other times by prior appointment.