
Recycling Association of South Africa
SAPS Accredited Association 009/2012
NPC 2013/213742/08
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.

Burnt Copper Purchases
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.”

FAQ
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Can my business use computerised records for buying and selling scrap metal?
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What information is compulsory to be obtained from the seller?
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Is a passport or a driver's license an acceptable proof of identity?
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What must a dealer do if he/she suspects that the
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goods might be stolen, or that the seller is lying about their details?
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Does the Act limit a dealer to specific trading hours?
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Can the SAPS restrict a dealers certificate to a specific type or class of goods?
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Can my business legally purchase burnt copper and how do I do this?
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How can I identify materials offered for sale as possibly stolen?