Scrap metal yards across Trinidad and Tobago are being told to suspend operations after a legal order extending the industry’s existing operating arrangements expired on October 14, the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism has announced.
In a public notice, the ministry said Legal Notice No. 381 of 2025, the Scrap Metal (Extension of Time) (No. 2) Order, 2025, had expired. With that extension no longer in force, the Scrap Metal Act, 2022, is now in effect, and the ministry has warned that the applicable regulations carry statutory penalties and fines.
The ministry said it would work with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to monitor compliance and enforce the law. It also indicated that a further notice would be issued once a subsequent legal notice comes into effect.
The announcement comes amid continuing uncertainty over the licences required for scrap metal businesses to operate legally. The Trinidad and Tobago Scrap Iron Dealers Association had previously advised operators to close their yards from September 15 while awaiting the renewal or extension of the necessary licences.
In a statement signed by association president Allan Ferguson, the association said dealers could not legally purchase, collect, process or export scrap metal without valid licences. It urged members to comply with the law while the outstanding licensing issues remain unresolved.
The association also highlighted the potential effect on people whose livelihoods depend on the industry. It said thousands of people, including yard owners, employees, collectors and their families, could be affected by the interruption to operations.
The association said it remained committed to working with the Government, particularly the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, to resolve the licensing issues and enable the industry to resume operations.
For operators seeking clarification, the ministry’s Trade Licence Unit can be contacted at 701-1440, 701-1443 or 701-1415, or by email at tlu@gov.tt. Until further notice is issued, businesses must take account of the legal requirements currently in force rather than assume that the expired extension remains valid.
