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ID now mandatory for scrap metal sellers
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Posted on Dec 05 2006
The Department of Commerce issued yesterday a notice to all licensed recyclers and junk shops in the CNMI that a new law now requires them to maintain a complete record of sellers of scrap metals, as part of efforts to curb copper wire thefts on the islands.
Among others, all licensed recyclers and junk shops, as well as individuals or entities wishing to engage in the recycling business, are required to comply with the following:
1. Maintain a complete record of each purchase of recycled product, to include the printed name and signature of the person selling scrap metal; date and time of purchase; name of recycler and the employee conducting the purchase; the name, date of birth, sex, height, weight, race and address of the person selling scrap metal;
2. Obtain a copy of a valid driver’s license or government identification card issue by the CNMI, Guam, federal, state, or municipal government which has a photo and physical description of the person identified at the time of purchase;
3. Record a complete description of the property, if any, sold to the recycler including the brand name, serial number, model number, initials, engravings, size, patterns, and color, as well as the purchase price;
4. All transactions shall be videotaped by closed circuit camera or other video recording device and it shall be disclosed to and acknowledged by the seller of scrap metal by signing on a written form.
The requirement of obtaining a copy of a proper ID shall take effect immediately.
Commerce gave junk shops 10 days from receipt of the notice to comply with the first and third requirements. They are given 45 days to comply with the fourth requirement.
“Failure to do so may result in a felony conviction and the suspension or revocation of your business license. Staff of the Division of Enforcement and Compliance will be inspecting your establishments for compliance with the timeframes given,” said Commerce.
Public Law 15-36, entitled “To regulate recycling businesses in the Commonwealth; and for other purposes,” came into effect on Nov. 6, 2006. The Commerce Secretary has been charged with the authority to enforce the provisions set forth in this law. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]
