Second hand goods dealers registration

If you want to deal in second hand goods you need to be registered with us by completing the following online form:

Register as a dealer in second hand goods  

What if my business only involves the occasional selling of second-hand goods?

You do not need to be registered if your business involves mainly the supply of new, unused goods and a small percentage of second-hand goods.

Also, if you occasionally sell second hand goods and it is not your business (or living) then you do not need to be registered. For example, selling unwanted household goods at a car boot sale.

Are there any other examples where registration is not required?

Yes, if the following applies:

• you are a registered charity
• you are a licensed scrap metal dealer
• you trade in motor vehicles
• you trade in waste paper, cardboard, textiles or plastics in bulk and
• business transactions involve hire purchase, conditional sale or credit sale and bailment agreements

Is there a fee?

Yes, there is a one off registration fee which is currently £36.

How do I pay the fee?

• if you complete the online form above you will be asked to pay by debit or credit card at the end of the form
• pay over the telephone with a debit or credit card by contacting us on 01772 906911
• take the completed form and fee to the Preston Market Office

How long does the registration last?

The registration lasts until you surrender it or it is revoked by us. There is no renewal process.

Am I required to display my registration certificate?

Yes you are, at your business premises and it is an offence not to do so.

What if I don't have a business premises?

You should keep a copy with you at the places you do business as a second hand goods dealer.

What if my details change?

If you change your name or address please inform us by completing the second hand goods dealers change of details form (PDF, 124 KB) and return to:

Licensing Services, Environmental Health, Town Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 2RL or email: licensing@preston.gov.uk. 

In such circumstances please return your existing Registration Certificate to us and we will issue you an amended one free of charge.

What if I have lost my Registration Certificate?

Please inform us so a replacement can be issued, by completing the second hand goods dealers change of details form (PDF, 124 KB) and return to:

Licensing Services, Environmental Health, Town Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 2RL or email: licensing@preston.gov.uk. 

This service is free of charge.

Once I am registered what do I have to do?

The registration scheme is governed by the Legislation.gov - County of Lancashire Act 1984. The main requirement is to keep a book and enter the following information about all your transactions:

• date of each transaction
• quantity and description of the articles bought or sold
• name and address of the person from whom goods are/were purchased from
• the registration number of any motor vehicle used to deliver goods to you that you have purchased

Please note that it is an offence not to comply with the above requirement.

What sort of book should I use?

It should be bound (hard-backed) and contain consecutively numbered pages.

How long do I have to keep records?

You must keep the book(s) for 2 years from the date of the last transaction or entry made in it.

What happens to second-hand goods dealers that are not registered?

They will be invited to register themselves but if they do not do so within a reasonable amount of time and continue to carry on business as a second hand goods dealer we will consider prosecution proceedings.

Will tacit consent apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as a second hand goods dealer as soon as a registration application has been submitted to us.

We will try and issue the Registration Certificate to you within 5 working days of receiving a valid application.

Failed application redress?

If there is a problem with your application, such as missing details, we will try and contact you, but as long as the application is valid all applicants will be registered.

Consumer complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery).

If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Citizens Advice will be able to help. From outside the UK contact the UK International Consumer Centre.