Government Gives Scrap Metal Dealers Another Year to Meet Licensing Rules

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Trinidad and Tobago’s scrap iron industry has become “organised crime,” blaming operators for thefts from the State, businesses and citizens after the industry shut down again when its latest extension expired. The Trade Ministry is working with police and the Scrap Iron Association on next steps, while dealers urge the government to adopt a review committee’s recommendations to reopen operations.

Scrap metal yards across Trinidad and Tobago must suspend operations after a legal order allowing the industry to continue under existing arrangements expired on October 14. The Ministry of Trade said the Scrap Metal Act, 2022 is now in force and warned of penalties, while the dealers’ association says operators need valid licences and is pressing for a resolution to reopen yards.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Scrap Iron Dealers Association is telling operators to suspend trading and close their gates after the temporary licence extension for the industry expired on Wednesday. The Ministry of Trade says it is working with police to enforce compliance, leaving scrap yards unable to legally buy, process or export metal until new licensing arrangements are in place.