PRESS RELEASE COURTESY OF THE JEWELLERY COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA
In terms of Section 2(1) of the Second-Hand Goods Act, 2009 (Act No. 6 of 2009), hereafter referred to as “the Act”, every person who carries on a business as a dealer must be registered. A “dealer” is defined as a person who carries on a business of dealing in second-hand goods and includes a scrap metal dealer and a pawnbroker.
Simply put, if a person acquires and disposes of second-hand goods as a means of making a profit, such a person must be registered as a second-hand goods dealer. In terms of the Consumer Protection Act, a client must be informed as to what it is they are purchasing. It will be pertinent for a client to know whether the item being purchased is new or old (if a jeweller purchased a ring from a consumer, for example, polished it and resold it – second-hand).
Once a second-hand goods dealer is registered, he/she will receive a Certificate of Registration to indicate that the person is a registered second-hand goods dealer. This Certificate of Registration must be displayed in a prominent place on the dealer’s premises where it will be visible to clients. New items and second-hand goods items also need to be separated.
To apply for the registration as a second-hand goods dealer (in this instance a “Jeweller”) the client must complete a SAPS 601 form. It will also be required to attach supporting documentation to the SAPS 601 application form. Depending on whether the client will be applying as a “Juristic” person (a registered business i.e.. Company, Close Corporation etc.) or a “Natural” person (Sole Proprietor) the client must utilize the attached relevant checklist to determine which supporting documentation should be attached to the application based on the client’s choice (i.e.. “Juristic” of “Natural” person).
Once the client has completed the application form (SAPS 601) and he/she have all the supporting documentation as required, he/she must submit all the documentation to the Designated Second-Hand Goods Officer (DSO) of the Police Station in which area he/she intend to conduct their business in. The appointed DSO will assist the client with the application, further information as well as the process which will be followed.
Kindly note that the application is free of charge.
It is also recommended that the client visit the SAPS Website where he/she will be able to obtain relevant information relating to the Second-Hand Goods environment such as the Second-Hand Goods Act, applicable Regulations and other important information:
www.saps.gov.za – click on the “FLASH” icon and then click on the Second-Hand Goods tab.
For ease of reference, see the following documentation:
- SAPS 601 (Application for registration as a SHG Dealer/Recycler)
- Checklist for Juristic person
- Checklist for Natural Person
- Regulation 6(3) Statement
Should you have any queries, kindly email Lorna Lloyd on lornal@jewellery.org.za