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The Second Hand Goods Act 6 of 2009

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SECOND-HAND GOODS ACT, 2009 (ACT NO. 6 OF 2009)

Since 10 December 2011, the President has put some provisions of the Second-Hand Goods Act, 2009 (Act No. 6 of 2009) into operation. From 16 January 2012 the penalty provisions of the Second-Hand Goods Act, 2009 that relate to

those provisions are also in operation.

RASA assists scrap metal dealers and recyclers in building compliance within their companies to ensure they remain fully compliant with the requirements of the SHGA.

Burnt Copper Purchases
Frequently asked Questions

Section 25(4)(b) and (c) criminalizes dealing in and possession of non-ferrous metal (i.e. copper) of which the cover has been burnt. The section provides as follows:

“25. (4) No person may—

(a) …

(b) acquire or dispose of any cable consisting of controlled metal of which the cover has been burnt, unless the seller thereof is able to provide a reasonable explanation for the burnt cover, and only after the matter has been reported to a police official in the manner contemplated in section

22(1); or

(c) be in possession of any cable consisting of controlled metal of which the cover has been burnt, unless such person is able to provide a reasonable explanation for the burnt cover.”

  • Can my business use computerised records for buying and selling scrap metal?

  • What information is compulsory to be obtained from the seller?

  • Is a passport  or a driver's license an acceptable proof of identity?

  • What must a dealer do if he/she suspects that the

  • goods might be stolen, or that the seller is lying about their details?

  • Does the Act limit a dealer to specific trading hours?

  • Can the SAPS restrict a dealers certificate to a specific type or class of goods?

  • Can my business legally purchase burnt copper and how do I do this?

  • How can I identify materials offered for sale as possibly stolen?

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