In Western Australia, including Perth, operating a scrap metal business requires licensing under the Pawnbroker and Second-hand Dealer Act 1994 and the Pawnbroker and Second-hand Dealer Regulations 1996. This licensing is mandatory for businesses trading in scrap metals such as copper and copper alloys, including bronze and brass. The regulations aim to maintain ethical industry standards and prevent metal theft by requiring dealers to keep detailed transaction records and verify sellers’ identities with 100 points of ID. Non-compliance can result in fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for individuals and up to $20,000 for corporations, as well as potential imprisonment. These laws ensure transparency, accountability, and safety within the scrap metal industry in Perth.