Commercial definition
High-grade, clean, bright, unalloyed copper wire. Market usage varies, so diameter, coatings, solder, oxidation and surface condition must be stated explicitly.
Specification framework
| Parameter | Commercial expectation |
|---|---|
| Metal / recovery basis | Often marketed as 99.9%+ copper; contractual confirmation required |
| Moisture | Clean and dry; numeric limit to be contractually agreed |
| Contamination | Insulation, oil, grease, iron and other foreign material should be absent or tightly limited |
| Not permitted unless agreed | Burnt wire, insulated wire, tinned wire, hair wire, excessive oxidation or foreign attachments unless expressly agreed |
| Packaging | Coils, bundles, bales or jumbo bags as agreed |
Inspection priorities
Check brightness, wire diameter, coatings, joints, solder, oxidation, trapped insulation and concealed foreign material.
- Verify stock identity and ownership before relying on photographs or video.
- Use representative sampling rather than inspecting only the visible outer layer.
- Record gross, tare and net weight basis and reconcile it with shipping documents.
- Agree the claims procedure, notification period and testing method before shipment.
Packing and loading
Coils, bundles, bales or jumbo bags as agreed. Container suitability, floor loading, securing, bale or bundle dimensions, seal control and photographic evidence should be considered before dispatch.
Commercial considerations
Pricing is influenced by recoverable metal, reference-market movements, processing cost, contamination risk, freight, financing, destination requirements and the timing mechanism in the contract. A large headline discount can be misleading when the specification or payment risk is weak.
Typical end uses: Copper cathode substitution feed, rod and refined-copper production
Frequently asked questions
Is the stated purity guaranteed by the grade name?
No. The grade name is commercial shorthand. Purity or recovery must be supported by an agreed specification, representative evidence and the contractual inspection method.
Can moisture and contamination simply be deducted at destination?
Only if the contract defines how they are measured, the acceptable limits, the independent party or laboratory, and the settlement formula.
Is third-party inspection sufficient on its own?
Inspection can reduce risk but does not replace counterparty due diligence, secure payment terms, document verification and clear title to the material.
Related references
See also Berry copper, No. 1 copper and the Millberry inspection guide.