The Government bill adopted on Wednesday aims to combat metal theft, eradicate illegal trade in metals, reduce the economic burdens of public service providers and to safeguard life and property more effectively. As a result of the new proposal, cooperation between authorities and supervisory efficiency will improve. In addition, the Government intends to aid the economic situation of legally operating metal trading enterprises.
The number of metal thefts has increased significantly in the past couple of years, causing – among others – both economic and cultural damage. This is what necessitated the development of stricter and more comprehensive legislation.
The Ministry for National Economy formulated its proposal for the amendment of currently effective regulations after extensive consultations with state and professional organizations as well as market stakeholders.
According to the proposal, metal trading enterprises could purchase metals only after having obtained a special license; as a consequence, supervision will improve and cable theft will decrease. The provision limits at the quantity of metal(s) a private individual may possess 3m3, in any other case the owner shall require a certificate that proves the origin and source of licensable metal trade materials.
As a result of the new regulation, harsher sanctions and higher fines will deter illegal metal traders. In addition, requirements for obtaining a metal trading licence will increase. Stolen metal will become more easily detectable as the number of traders’ mandatory reports will increase and subscriptions for private persons will be more restrictive.
Besides restricting metal trading activities, the proposal will provide economic advantages for law-abiding metal trading enterprises (the 6-day moratorium on storage will be abolished, and no permit will be required to perform the demolishing of a building or for storage performed with relation to contracted work).
As a result of adopting the amendment proposed by the Government, the overall size of the illegal metal trade, the number of metal thefts and cases of vandalism may decline spectacularly.
(Ministry of National Economy)
