Do the scrap metal rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland?
Short answer: Yes, the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 applies to England and Wales, while Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own licensing and record-keeping arrangements, which share the same aims but differ in detail, so if you are selling outside England and Wales, check the rules and any licence requirements that apply where you are.
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List Free →Why there are separate regimes
Licensing and criminal law are largely devolved, so each part of the UK can set its own rules on dealing in scrap.
What stays the same
The common themes are that dealers are licensed, they identify their sellers, they pay by traceable means and they keep records.
How to check the local position
The local council or the official government website for that nation sets out what applies, and is the best place to confirm current rules.
How ScrapTrade Fits In
ScrapTrade buyers are verified wherever they operate, so the same basic checks apply on the platform.
Knowing the rules helps you spot a legitimate buyer. ScrapTrade connects you with verified buyers, transparent weighing and escrow-protected payments.
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