The Second-Hand Goods Act of 2009 regulates the business of dealers in the second-hand goods trade.  The act was made available to combat trade in stolen goods.

1. Anyone who buys or sells second hand-goods must be registered with the National Commissioner of the SAPS.  It is a criminal offense not to do so.
2. Registration must be obtained for each premises on which the goods are stored or from which the goods are dealt in.
3. Upon registration, the National Commissioner will issue a certificate, authorizing the dealer to carry on with business.
4. The original certificate must numuste displayed in a prominent place, clearly visible to the police.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS IS A CRIME!

1. A dealer must keep a register in which certain particulars regarding every acquisition or disposal of second-hand goods are recorded.
2. every such entry must be made at the time of acquisition or disposal.
3. A person acquiring second-hand goods from, or disposing of goods to, a dealer, must furnish his full name, physical address, and an original identity document.
4. The dealer must keep a copy of the ID document.
5. the dealer must keep the registers and copies of the documents for a period of not less than 5(five) years.

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. It is an offense to acquire goods from any person under 18 years old.
2. No goods may be stored elsewhere than on the premises for which a certificate has been issued in terms of the Act.
3. As a dealer, it is a crime to take into possession goods unless you are convinced, on reasonable grounds, that the seller is the owner, or authorized person to dispose of them.
4. Any goods acquired from a person must be stored for at least seven days.
5. It is an offense to alter the appearance of any goods before the seven-day period
6. Any dealer who recycles any controlled metal, must, in addition, be registered as a recycler.

ROUTINE POLICE INSPECTIONS

1. A police officer may, during business hours, enter the premises of any registered dealer in order to investigate compliance with the act.
2. It is a crime to refuse or fail to: 

• Produce the dealer's certificate of registration
• produce any register, record, book, or other document for inspection
• explain any entry in any register, book, record, or document found on the premises.