Scrap metal dealer registration

A scrap metal dealer is any individual that wholly or partly carries out a business buying and selling scrap metal.

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 requires scrap metal dealers to register with the Local Authority.

 A person carrying on business as a scrap metal dealer shall be treated as carrying out business in Bristol City Council area if:

• they have a scrap metal store situated within the city boundary or
• their usual place of residence is within the city boundary or
• a place is used wholly or partly for the purposes of that business within the city boundary.

Please note changes will be introduced in respect of scrap metal dealers. Please see Home Office guidance for further information. The Scrap Metal Dealers Bill 2012/13  is currently before parliament to introduce further changes to the legislation.

How do I apply?

The application period is six weeks and there is no application fee required. The Licensing Team will acknowledge your application.

For details on the requirements of scrap metal dealers please see related documents section. 

Will tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.

Apply online

Application for scrap metal dealer (via Business Link webpage). Please note there is no application fee.

By post

Please complete the application form (msword, 66 KB) (opens new window) and return to the Licensing Team. Please note there is no application fee.

For details on the requirements of scrap metal dealers please see related documents section. 

 If granted your registration will be granted for 3 years. Please ensure that you renew your registration at least two months before it expires.

What happens if the details of registration change?

The named scrap metal dealer is required to advise the local authority. 

Applicant complaints

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.

Licence holder redress

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.

Consumer complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Customer satisfaction survey

Enforcement and Regulatory Services are undertaking a customer satisfaction survey on the SNAP website to evaluate the level of service that you have received and to consider how we can improve our service. We would appreciate your comments.

EUGO (European Union Go) gives service providers and entrepreneurs from the EU (European Union) and EEA (European Economic Area) the information and support they need to set up or do business in other EU or EEA markets. Central EUGO website portal.