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A junk shop buys from strangers, so its rules focus on proving where goods came from. Under the Anti-Fencing Law, PD 1612 Sec. 6, stores that deal in goods from unlicensed dealers or suppliers need a clearance from the local police station commander before offering them for sale. Some cities go further. Naga City, for example, requires PNP-accredited transaction books, a list of roving collectors and a yard fence at least 2.4 metres high.[1,2]
Junk shop prep list
- Ask the police station about the Anti-Fencing Law clearance
- Ask the BPLO if your city has a junk shop ordinance
- Start a purchases book and a sales book
- Record each seller's name and ID for every buy
- Keep a list of the roving collectors who sell to you
- Fence the yard so stock is not visible from the street
The police clearance comes first
PD 1612 Sec. 6 says stores dealing in goods obtained from an unlicensed dealer or supplier, such as used or secondhand articles, must get a clearance or permit from the local police station commander before offering them for sale.[1]
Much of a junk shop's stock comes from households and roving collectors, who are usually not licensed dealers. Visit the police station early and ask what they need from you and how often.
What a city junk shop ordinance can require: Naga City
Naga City's Ordinance No. 2008-056 is one city's example. Your LGU may have a similar rule or none.[2]
- A sworn information sheet, layout plan, list of workers and roving collectors, and a notarised affidavit of undertaking
- A site inspection by the city planning office, engineering, BFP, city health and ENRO, done within a week
- Two transaction books, for purchases and sales, with seller and buyer ID, accredited by the PNP before use and kept at least 3 years
- Gated entrances and exits, and walls or fences at least 2.4 metres high
Buying habits that keep you out of trouble
Be careful with items that look like public property, such as manhole covers, electric cables, road signs or railings. Ask every seller for an ID, write their name and the items in your book, and turn away anyone who will not give details. A clean record is your best defence if police trace stolen goods to your yard.
Questions people ask
- Do junk shops need a police clearance?
- If you sell goods bought from unlicensed dealers or suppliers, such as used articles, PD 1612 Sec. 6 requires a clearance from the local police station commander first.
- How long must I keep my transaction books?
- In Naga City, at least three years. Other cities may set different periods.
- Are there rules for buying used car batteries?
- Ask your city ENRO or the DENR-EMB regional office which hazardous waste rules apply before you buy batteries in bulk.
Sources
Checked 13 November 2026. We link the agency's own page for every requirement. Rules change; confirm with the office before you pay.
- Presidential Decree No. 1612 (Anti-Fencing Law of 1979) · Lawphil Project (Arellano Law Foundation) · 2 March 1979
- Ordinance No. 2008-056: An Ordinance Prescribing Rules for Junk Shop Operations in Naga City · City of Naga (Sangguniang Panlungsod) · 2008
The extra permits, in one table
| Permit or registration | Agency | When it applies | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Fencing Law clearance/permit to sell goods from unlicensed dealers/suppliers[1] | PNP (local police station) | if buying/selling goods from unlicensed dealers or suppliers | Not published |
| Junk-shop-specific business permit evaluation: sworn information sheet, layout plan, list of roving collectors, notarised affidavit of undertaking, joint site inspection[2] | LGU (example: Naga City CPDO with CEO, BFP, City Health, ENRO) | where the LGU has a junk shop ordinance (Naga City example) | Not published |
| Two transaction books (purchases and sales) with seller/buyer ID, accredited by local PNP before use; kept at least 3 years[2] | LGU / PNP (example: Naga City) | where the LGU has a junk shop ordinance (Naga City example) | Not published |
| Enclosed yard: gated entrances/exits and walls or fences at least 2.4 m high so junk is not visible[2] | LGU (example: Naga City) | where the LGU has a junk shop ordinance (Naga City example) | not applicable |