Commercial definition
Unalloyed copper material that may include oxidation, coatings, solder or attachments within an agreed recovery specification.
Specification framework
| Parameter | Commercial expectation |
|---|---|
| Metal / recovery basis | Recovery-based; lower than No. 1 |
| Moisture | Dry or controlled by deduction formula |
| Contamination | Foreign material and lower-recovery features must remain within contract limits |
| Not permitted unless agreed | Hazardous or sealed units and material outside the agreed recovery basis |
| Packaging | Loose, boxed or baled |
Inspection priorities
Sampling is critical because visible pieces may not represent the full lot. Assess solder, coatings, dirt, alloy mixing and attachments.
- 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
Loose, boxed or baled. 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: Secondary smelting and refining
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
Compare with No. 1 copper and Birch/Cliff terminology.