Scraps

When sourcing metal scraps (such as copper, aluminum, or steel), you must prioritize purity levels and contamination rates. For instance, Copper Scrap (Millberry) should ideally have a purity of 99.9%. You should request a Chemical Composition Analysis (Spectroscopy report) to verify the presence of deleterious elements like lead or mercury. Additionally, specify the physical form (e.g., pressed bales, loose, or shredded) to ensure it fits your processing machinery.

For plastic scraps (PET, HDPE, LDPE), the most critical factors are source consistency and melt flow index (MFI). Ensure the scrap is pre-sorted by resin type to avoid cross-contamination, which weakens the recycled end-product. You should demand that the material is free from organic waste, oils, and hazardous chemicals. Requesting a wash-test report is essential to determine the yield after the cleaning process.

Scrap materials are heavily regulated under the Basel Convention regarding the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes. You must ensure the supplier provides a CCIC (China Certification & Inspection Group) certificate for goods destined for China, or equivalent pre-shipment inspections for other regions. Verify that the scrap is classified under the correct HS Code to avoid it being labeled as 'illegal waste' by customs authorities.

The value of scrap is highly volatile and tied to LME (London Metal Exchange) or Platts indices. To ensure feasibility, calculate the Net Yield (Total weight minus moisture and non-metallic attachments). A recovery rate of 95% or higher is standard for premium grades. Always factor in demurrage and detention costs, as scrap shipments often face longer customs inspections than finished goods.

The primary risk is quality substitution or 'garbage loading', where the top layer of a container looks correct, but the bottom is filled with low-value waste or rocks. To mitigate this, never skip a third-party pre-shipment inspection (PSI). Another risk is regulatory seizure; if the scrap does not meet the destination country's environmental 'Green Fence' or 'National Sword' style policies, the buyer may face heavy fines and mandatory re-exportation costs.

Avoid 100% advance payments. The industry standard for secure transactions is a Letter of Credit (L/C) at sight or CAD (Cash Against Documents) after the issuance of a clean inspection report. For new suppliers found on Made-in-China.com, use secured payment services that hold funds until the shipping documents and inspection certificates are verified.

Scrap is often heavy and dense, so you must confirm the container weight limits to avoid 'overweight' penalties at the port. Ensure the supplier uses heavy-duty liners for plastic scraps or moisture-absorbent materials for metal turnings to prevent container corrosion. Always request 14 to 21 days of free time at the destination port to allow for potential customs delays during environmental testing.

Check if the supplier holds an AQSIQ license (for exports to China) or is a member of international bodies like BIR (Bureau of International Recycling) or ISRI (Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries). On Made-in-China.com, prioritize Audited Suppliers whose manufacturing facilities and export licenses have been physically verified by independent agencies like SGS or Intertek.