Regulation of the Scrap Metal Industry in South Africa: Economic Contributions and Challenges

The regulation of South Africa’s scrap metal industry is essential for mitigating the economic and operational impacts of metal theft, particularly copper and steel. New proposed amendments under the Second Hand Goods Act aim to strengthen the regulatory framework requiring both buyers and sellers to register and comply with enhanced reporting requirements. These measures are designed to enhance transparency, reduce illegal trade and protect the industry’s contribution to the GDP while securing critical infrastructures from disruptive thefts.