For the purpose of this chapter and chapter 5.04 of this title, the term "commission merchant" is defined to be the business of buying or selling melons, fruit, vegetables, meat, provisions, produce, food products, drugs, medicines, jewelry, precious metals, or goods, wares, or merchandise, as a broker or agent for the owner or consignee thereof for a fee or commission, whether or not the operation of such business customarily includes that actual possession, custody or control of such goods, wares or merchandise. (Prior code § 2229.1)