Electroplating, enamelling

Electroplating, enamelling is a craft trade (Annex 1 to the Trade Licensing Act) that entitles the holder to surface treatment of metals by electrolytic and chemical deposition of metals and to applying enamel coatings to metal products. To obtain it you must meet the general conditions under Section 6 and demonstrate a professional qualification under Section 21 or Section 22 of the Trade Licensing Act.

Examples of activities

• Electroplating – application of metal coatings (zinc, nickel, chromium, copper, tin) by the electrolytic route
• Hot-dip and electrolytic galvanising for the protection of metals against corrosion
• Chromium plating, nickel plating and copper plating of metal parts and products
• Enamelling – application and firing of vitreous enamel coatings on steel and cast iron
• Anodising (anodic oxidation) of aluminium and its alloys
• Chemical and electrochemical pickling, polishing and passivation of metal surfaces
• Blackening and phosphating of metals as a corrosion-protection and base treatment
• Electroplated application of decorative and functional coatings on costume jewellery and metal objects

What the trade is and what it is for

The trade Electroplating, enamelling is one of the craft trades (Annex 1 to the Trade Licensing Act) and entitles you to do business in the area of surface treatment of metals. The core of the activity is the treatment of the surface of metal products by two distinct technologies: electroplating, that is, the electrolytic or chemical deposition of metal coatings, and enamelling, that is, the application and firing of vitreous enamel layers.

These treatments serve to protect metals against corrosion, to increase surface hardness and wear resistance, and for decorative purposes. Electroplating and enamelling shops process parts for engineering, the automotive industry, construction and consumer production.

What falls under this trade (and what does not)

The trade covers in particular the following activities:

• electroplating (zinc plating, nickel plating, chromium plating, copper plating, tin plating),
• anodising (anodic oxidation) of aluminium,
• chemical and electrochemical pickling, polishing, passivation, blackening and phosphating of metals,
• enamelling – application and firing of enamel coatings on steel and cast iron.

Where the boundaries lie: If you were to carry out powder coating, painting or other application of organic paints and varnishes, this is generally a separate activity falling under another trade (most often an unqualified (free) trade focused on surface treatment and welding of metals). Machining, forging or locksmith processing of metals fall under separate craft trades (e.g. locksmithing, toolmaking). If you are unsure how a specific technology should be classified, verify the scope with the Trade Licensing Office.

Statutory conditions for obtaining the trade

To notify the trade you must meet the general conditions under Section 6 of the Trade Licensing Act – full legal capacity and a clean criminal record. For citizens of the Czech Republic the office verifies the clean criminal record itself by an extract from the Criminal Records Register, which it obtains, so the applicant does not submit it. The law requires neither medical fitness nor liability insurance for this trade. At the same time, none of the obstacles to operating the trade under Section 8 must apply (for example a ban on activity in the field imposed by a court or administrative body).

You must further demonstrate a professional qualification under Section 21 of Act No. 455/1991 Coll., by one of the variants:

• an apprenticeship certificate in the relevant field of education,
• a maturita certificate in the relevant field or with vocational-preparation subjects,
• a higher vocational education diploma in the relevant field,
• a university diploma in the relevant area of study programmes and fields,
• proof of recognition of professional qualification under Section 7(5)(b), (c) or (e), or
• proof of verification or recognition of a full professional qualification under Act No. 179/2006 Coll.

If you do not have education directly in the field, you may use the alternative professional qualification under Section 22: education in a related field plus 1 year of experience in the field; retraining for the given activity plus 1 year of experience in the field; or 6 years of experience in the field without proof of education.

If you do not meet the qualification yourself, you may secure it through a responsible representative under Section 11 – a person who meets the conditions and is responsible for the proper operation of the trade. One person may be a responsible representative for no more than four entrepreneurs.

How to notify or obtain the trade step by step

1. Fill in the Unified Registration Form (URF). It serves to notify the trade and at the same time to register with the tax office, the Czech Social Security Administration (ČSSZ) and the health insurer.
2. Submit the notification. You can do so in person at any municipal Trade Licensing Office, electronically via the rzp.gov.cz portal, or at a Czech POINT branch.
3. Provide the documents – professional qualification (apprenticeship, maturita, experience) and, where applicable, the responsible representative's consent.
4. Pay the administrative fee – CZK 1,000 for the first notification of the trade, or CZK 800 for an electronic submission via rzp.gov.cz.
5. Wait for registration. The Trade Licensing Office enters the trade in the Trade Register within 5 working days of receiving the notification. The licence, however, comes into existence on the very day of notification, provided you meet all the conditions.

You will find the detailed procedure in the guide How to set up a trade.

Documents and fees

• A completed URF (notification of the trade).
• Proof of professional qualification under Section 21, or Section 22 (apprenticeship certificate, maturita certificate, diploma, proof of experience or retraining).
• Proof of identity; for a responsible representative, their declaration and documents.
• Administrative fee of CZK 1,000 (on paper), or CZK 800 (electronically via rzp.gov.cz).
• Registration period: within 5 working days; the licence comes into existence on the day of notification.

Frequently asked questions

Is electroplating, enamelling an unqualified (free) trade or a craft trade?

It is a craft trade (Annex 1 to the Trade Licensing Act). Unlike an unqualified (free) trade, here you must demonstrate a professional qualification under Section 21, or Section 22 of the Trade Licensing Act.

What if I do not have an apprenticeship certificate in the field?

You can use Section 22 – demonstrate education in a related field with 1 year of experience, retraining with 1 year of experience, or 6 years of experience in the field even without proof of education. Alternatively, appoint a responsible representative under Section 11.

When can I start trading?

The licence comes into existence on the day of notification, provided you meet all the conditions. The registration in the register itself the office completes within 5 working days.

Do I need a health certificate or insurance for this trade?

No. For this trade the law requires neither medical fitness nor liability insurance. Operating, hygiene and environmental regulations (e.g. handling of chemicals) are, however, governed by other laws.

Can I operate the trade as a company (s.r.o.)?

Yes. A legal entity notifies the trade in the same way, securing the professional qualification through a responsible representative under Section 11.

Sources

• Ministry of Education – database of regulated activities (trade detail)
• Act No. 455/1991 Coll., on trade licensing (the Trade Licensing Act)
• Ministry of Industry and Trade