Establishment of "notification of specific scrap metal purchasing business" (at the time of bill enactment)
Updated: July 2025, 9
Current status of the "Scrap Metal Ordinance"
If you are handling metals as part of a business that deals in secondhand goods, some prefectures require you to obtain a "scrap metal dealer license" in addition to the secondhand goods dealer license.
The Secondhand Goods Business Law also regulates secondhand goods transactions.
For metals that are not included in the category of "second-hand goods," some prefectures have established individual licenses and permits such as "scrap metal dealer licenses" in their ordinances in order to prevent crimes such as theft.
Regarding scrap metal, there are no laws that apply nationwide, and each local government has different rules, making the situation very complicated.
reference:
The "Bill for the Prevention of Disposal of Stolen Specified Metal Objects" was enacted.
back ground
As mentioned above, scrap metal is individually regulated by ordinances of each local government, but the number of metal thefts has been on the rise since 2020.
In particular, the rate of metal cable theft at solar power generation facilities is particularly notable, at 2023% in 32.9 and 2024% at the end of June 6.
Reference: National Police Agency document "Materials from the 1st Study Group on Metal Theft Prevention Measures"
https://www.npa.go.jp/bureau/safetylife/scrap/meeting_material.pdf
In light of this situation, a bill to prevent the disposal of stolen specific metal objects was submitted to the Diet on March 2025, 3, and enacted on June 11, 2025.
As of now (June 2025, 6), the bill is still in the process of being enacted and its publication will come later, but we would like to introduce it to you in advance as this regulation will have a significant impact on businesses handling secondhand goods and scrap metal in the future.
Establishment of "Notification of Specified Scrap Metal Purchasing Business"
The terms "specific metals" and "specific scrap metals" are defined in the "Bill on Prevention of Disposal of Stolen Specific Metal Articles."
"Specific metals" are metals (such as copper) whose theft needs to be prevented based on their economic value and other factors.
"Specified scrap metal" refers to scrap metal that is mainly composed of specified metals.
The current bill stipulates that when purchasing specific scrap metals, a notification of "specific scrap metal purchasing business" must be filed in advance.
point:
- Notification is required for each business establishment that purchases specific scrap metal
- Notification should be made to the Prefectural Public Safety Commission that has jurisdiction over the location of each business office.
- In principle, identity verification is required when purchasing specified scrap metals.
- Applies regardless of prefecture
As mentioned above, the handling of scrap metal was previously regulated individually by ordinance in some prefectures.
However, if this bill is enacted, the regulations under the law will be applied regardless of prefecture.
Prohibition on the concealed carrying of designated metal cutting tools
There have been cases where tools such as cable cutters and bolt cutters have been used to steal certain metals.
Under the proposed bill, these tools would be designated as "designated metal-cutting tools."
In addition, "Except for work-related or other legitimate reasons, designated metal cutting tools must not be carried concealed.
It will also be stipulated that "the
Impact of the establishment of the "Notification of Specified Scrap Metal Purchasing Business"
The amendment that will have a particularly large impact on businesses is the creation of the "notification of specific scrap metal purchasing business."
Business operators of secondhand goods and scrap metal businesses will be required to comply with the new notification system if the scrap metal they handle falls under the category of "specified scrap metal."
Those who have previously operated businesses in prefectures that do not have scrap metal ordinances will also be required to file a notification.
In addition, since notifications are required for each business office, businesses with many offices across the country are likely to face a considerable amount of hassle in handling these notifications.
In addition, since the new "specific scrap metal purchasing business" overlaps in many areas with the "scrap metal dealers" under current ordinances, there is a possibility that changes will also occur in the existing "scrap metal dealer license" system, so it is necessary to keep an eye on developments in the ordinances.
For consultation regarding the notification of specific scrap metal purchase business, please contact Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation
Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation specializes in secondhand goods dealer licenses and scrap metal dealer licenses.
We will also keep an eye on the trends of the newly established "specific scrap metal purchasing business" and keep up with the latest information with our expert team.
If you want to smoothly comply with the amendments and complete your notification, please leave it to Support Administrative Scriveners Corporation.
We also provide "comprehensive regulatory management" services, specializing in keeping up with information on regulatory changes and managing regulatory content.
If you need advice on how to respond in a timely and appropriate manner to the various regulations that are necessary for running your business, please contact Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation.
Editor of this article
Shuhei Higashi
