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ARTICLE · 14 MARCH 2014

Any Old Iron? - The New Metal Licensing Regime

Clyde & Co
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A new licensing regime introduced under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 (the Act) means tougher regulation of the scrap metal industry.

United KingdomEnvironment
Rod Hunt
Rod Hunt
Luisa Lister
Luisa Lister
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A new licensing regime introduced under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 (the Act) means tougher regulation of the scrap metal industry.

Metal theft has seen a sharp increase in recent years, with thieves targeting communication and power lines and even commemorative plaques in graveyards. As the cost to councils continues to rise, the Act seeks to target this harm through tighter control of any business involved in metal.

What is the new regime?

Under the Act, it is now an offence to carry on business as a scrap metal dealer without a licence. Not having such a licence is not simply a case of not having the correct paperwork; significant penalties will attract for breaches of the new provisions for businesses and individuals.

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