Do I need any kind of licence to sell copper scrap in bulk in Australia?
Short answer: Individual sellers offloading their own scrap generally don't need a licence, but several Australian states require scrap metal dealers themselves to be licensed or registered, partly due to metal theft concerns, and many now require sellers to provide ID for larger cash transactions. Requirements vary by state, so it's worth checking your specific state's scrap metal or second-hand dealer regulations before assuming cash sales are unrestricted.
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List Free →Why regulation exists specifically for copper
Copper theft — from construction sites, telecommunications infrastructure, and electrical installations — has been enough of a problem in Australia that several states introduced specific scrap metal dealer licensing and identification requirements, partly aimed at making stolen copper harder to offload anonymously.
What this means as a seller
You’re very unlikely to need a licence just to sell your own scrap copper, but expect a licensed buyer to ask for photo ID, and possibly to record the transaction, particularly for cash payments above a certain threshold or for larger volumes. This is a compliance requirement on the buyer’s side more than a burden on you.
If you’re regularly trading, not just clearing out scrap
If you’re buying and reselling copper scrap as an ongoing activity rather than occasionally selling your own material, check your specific state’s requirements directly, since dealer-level licensing obligations can apply once you’re operating as a trader rather than an occasional seller.
How ScrapTrade Makes This Easier
ScrapTrade only works with business-verified buyers, so the compliance side of a transaction — ID checks, proper recording — is already handled on a legitimate footing when you sell through the platform.
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