How we trade

Terms, in plain terms

This trade has a fraud problem. Our answer is not assurance, it is process — the same process on every shipment, whether it is the first container or the fiftieth.

Payment — irrevocable LC at sight

We settle against compliant shipping documents through an irrevocable letter of credit at sight. We do not pay advances, deposits, "allocation" fees or mandate fees under any circumstances, and we treat a request for one as the end of the conversation. Sellers are paid promptly and in full once documents are presented.

Inspection — independent, and ours

Grade, purity, weight and radiation are verified at the seller's yard before the container is stuffed, by SGS, Bureau Veritas or Alex Stewart. The inspector is appointed and paid by us. A seller who will not admit an independent inspector to the yard is not a seller we can use.

Specification — ISRI, in writing

Contracts state the ISRI (ReMA) grade code, permitted contamination and moisture, packing and banding, and the tolerance on weight. Disputes in this trade almost always trace back to a vague description; we remove the ambiguity at the contract stage.

Pricing — indexed to the LME

Material is priced as an agreed percentage of the London Metal Exchange cash settlement for the relevant metal, fixed per shipment. We do not publish price lists, and we are wary of anyone who quotes a flat price far below the value of the metal contained in the material.

Start small — one trial container

Every new supply relationship begins with a single container. It proves the specification, the documentation, the loading discipline and the payment cycle at a scale where nobody gets hurt if something is wrong. Monthly programmes follow a successful trial.

Counterparty verification

Before contracting we verify company registration and VAT status in the seller's jurisdiction, and confirm the yard exists at the address given. For Indian buyers we verify GST and Import-Export Code. This is routine and we expect the same scrutiny of us in return.

Incoterms & logistics

TermsCIF or CFR to the Indian discharge port; FOB at origin on request. Marine insurance arranged.

LoadingCopper loads to container weight limits; baled UBC ships in 40 ft high-cube for freight efficiency.

DocumentsBill of lading, invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, inspection, weight and insurance certificates.

Two questions we always answer

Sellers ask whether we are real and whether we can pay. Our company number, VAT registration and registered office are published on this site and at Companies House, and our bank will confirm our standing on request. We would rather answer those questions early than late.