The Government has extended the transitional period for existing scrap metal dealers by another year, giving them until October 14, 2027, to meet licensing and other statutory requirements.
The Scrap Metal (Extension of Time) Order, 2026, took effect on October 15, according to a statement from the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism issued on Thursday.
The extension, made under Section 39(1) of the Scrap Metal Act, 2022, moves the deadline from October 15, 2026, to October 14, 2027.
It is the seventh extension granted since the scrap metal industry reopened in February 2023.
Under Section 39(1), valid licences previously issued under the former Old Metal and Marine Stores Act are treated as scrap metal dealer licences, provided dealers comply with the requirements of the 2022 Act.
The ministry has urged all scrap metal dealers to submit completed licence applications to the Trade Licence Unit as a matter of urgency within the extended period.
It said the additional time would give existing dealers another opportunity to meet the requirements under the new legislative framework.
The ministry said it would continue engaging industry stakeholders and relevant agencies to advance the transition to full compliance, while ensuring the industry is properly regulated and legitimate operations can continue.
