Scrap Metal For Cash: The Law
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Scrap Metal For Cash
Significant changes were made to the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 in 2013, with legislation revised to create a new criminal offence. Under the current law:
- It is illegal to pay for scrap metal in cash.
- Dealers are permitted to pay only by electronic transfer or cheque.
The change in regulations aimed to cut down metal theft – a low-risk, high-reward enterprise for many criminals and less-than-scrupulous dealers.
The official law
Section 146 of the LASPO Act 2012 provides that:
- A scrap metal dealer must not pay for scrap metal except-
- By a cheque which, under section 81A of the Bills of Exchange Act 1882, is not transferable, or
- By an electronic transfer of funds (authorised by credit or debit card or otherwise).
- By order, the Secretary of State may amend subsection (1) to permit other payment methods.
- This section includes paying in kind (with goods or services).
- If a scrap metal dealer pays for scrap metal in breach of subsection (1), each of the following is guilty of an offence-
- The scrap metal dealer
- A person who makes the payment acts for the dealer;
- A manager who fails to take reasonable steps to prevent the charge from being made is in breach of subsection (1).
Only payment via electronic transfer of funds or cheque will be acceptable when purchasing scrap metal. No cash payment is allowed.
Who does it apply?
The requirement to purchase scrap metal without cash applies to all scrap metal dealers as defined by the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964, regardless of whether they are registered with their local authority. The act covers anyone who sells or buys scrap metal, and they must register as a licensed dealer. Trading without registering is a criminal offence.
Are there any exceptions?
Under section 9 of the scrap metal dealers act 1964, some mobile collections are exempt. To be considered exempt, collectors must both:
- Be registered with their local authority under section 1 of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964; and
- Have obtained a separate order under section 3(1) of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964, which excludes them from specific record-keeping requirements. Local authorities must consult with the Chief Officer of the local police force before issuing every order.
Why not seek cash payment for scrap vehicles?
Regulations protect the customers in the scrap car industry, and having rules helps ensure scrap vehicles are disposed of safely and responsibly. Also, as part of having regulations, it reduces the viability of car or vehicle theft by requiring proof of ID with every sale. That is why – if no evidence can be provided of both the money and vehicle changing hands – the transaction is incomplete in the eyes of the law and considered a criminal offence. Every transaction must have a written record of all people involved.
If a trader is offering or making payments in cash, these transactions are untraceable, and you have to consider whether you are willing to work with someone who openly breaks the law. Avoiding regulations or cutting corners when dealing with road vehicles is dangerous. Using a trusted trader that adheres to the law will ensure everything is above board and you are protected in any worst-case scenarios. Please note this only applies to cars which are ‘scrap vehicles’, not roadworthy vehicles which are being sold for salvage parts.
What are the preferred methods of payment?
As indicated above, the overriding requirement is for payment methods to have traceability and a verifiable audit trail. An electronic transfer of funds, written receipt or named cheque is preferable. Payment needs to be linked to an identifiable account.
Which payment methods (aside from cash) are not permitted?
Any payment instructions which provide anonymous and near-cash alternatives are NOT permitted. Including:
- foreign currency
- electronic vouchers
- virtual currencies
- supermarket gift cards
- postal orders
If a payment method allows the dealer to remain anonymous, it will not be permitted, and records must be kept. Scrap metal dealers are currently required to record each transaction and to provide details of the transaction as part of each record. This must be a copy of a named cheque or a print-out electronic payment receipt.
Records that fail to show the transaction and how the payment was made will be considered incomplete and deemed a criminal offence.
Scrap Metal For Cash
Significant changes were made to the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 in 2013, with legislation revised to create a new criminal offence. Under the current law:
- It is illegal to pay for scrap metal in cash.
- Dealers are permitted to pay only by electronic transfer or cheque.
The change in regulations aimed to cut down metal theft – a low-risk, high-reward enterprise for many criminals and less-than-scrupulous dealers.
The official law
Section 146 of the LASPO Act 2012 provides that:
- A scrap metal dealer must not pay for scrap metal except-
- By a cheque which, under section 81A of the Bills of Exchange Act 1882, is not transferable, or
- By an electronic transfer of funds (authorised by credit or debit card or otherwise).
- By order, the Secretary of State may amend subsection (1) to permit other payment methods.
- This section includes paying in kind (with goods or services).
- If a scrap metal dealer pays for scrap metal in breach of subsection (1), each of the following is guilty of an offence-
- The scrap metal dealer
- A person who makes the payment acts for the dealer;
- A manager who fails to take reasonable steps to prevent the charge from being made is in breach of subsection (1).
Only payment via electronic transfer of funds or cheque will be acceptable when purchasing scrap metal. No cash payment is allowed.
Who does it apply?
The requirement to purchase scrap metal without cash applies to all scrap metal dealers as defined by the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964, regardless of whether they are registered with their local authority. The act covers anyone who sells or buys scrap metal, and they must register as a licensed dealer. Trading without registering is a criminal offence.
Are there any exceptions?
Under section 9 of the scrap metal dealers act 1964, some mobile collections are exempt. To be considered exempt, collectors must both:
- Be registered with their local authority under section 1 of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964; and
- Have obtained a separate order under section 3(1) of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964, which excludes them from specific record-keeping requirements. Local authorities must consult with the Chief Officer of the local police force before issuing every order.
Why not seek cash payment for scrap vehicles?
Regulations protect the customers in the scrap car industry, and having rules helps ensure scrap vehicles are disposed of safely and responsibly. Also, as part of having regulations, it reduces the viability of car or vehicle theft by requiring proof of ID with every sale. That is why – if no evidence can be provided of both the money and vehicle changing hands – the transaction is incomplete in the eyes of the law and considered a criminal offence. Every transaction must have a written record of all people involved.
If a trader is offering or making payments in cash, these transactions are untraceable, and you have to consider whether you are willing to work with someone who openly breaks the law. Avoiding regulations or cutting corners when dealing with road vehicles is dangerous. Using a trusted trader that adheres to the law will ensure everything is above board and you are protected in any worst-case scenarios. Please note this only applies to cars which are ‘scrap vehicles’, not roadworthy vehicles which are being sold for salvage parts.
What are the preferred methods of payment?
As indicated above, the overriding requirement is for payment methods to have traceability and a verifiable audit trail. An electronic transfer of funds, written receipt or named cheque is preferable. Payment needs to be linked to an identifiable account.
Which payment methods (aside from cash) are not permitted?
Any payment instructions which provide anonymous and near-cash alternatives are NOT permitted. Including:
- foreign currency
- electronic vouchers
- virtual currencies
- supermarket gift cards
- postal orders
If a payment method allows the dealer to remain anonymous, it will not be permitted, and records must be kept. Scrap metal dealers are currently required to record each transaction and to provide details of the transaction as part of each record. This must be a copy of a named cheque or a print-out electronic payment receipt.
Records that fail to show the transaction and how the payment was made will be considered incomplete and deemed a criminal offence.
