ScrapTrade Complete Guide

1. Platform Overview

ScrapTrade is a global B2B marketplace connecting verified scrap material sellers and industrial buyers across the world. Whether you have ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, plastic waste, or electronic scrap — the platform provides a trusted, transparent, and efficient trading environment.

What ScrapTrade Offers:

• Verified buyer and seller network across multiple countries
• Secure listing and enquiry management
• Trade documentation support
• Access to competitive global pricing
• End-to-end deal facilitation

2. Getting Started — Registration & Profile Setup

Step 1: Create Your Account

• Register with your company name, country, contact details, and business type (Seller / Buyer / Both)
• Upload a valid business registration document
• Complete KYC (Know Your Customer) verification

Step 2: Build Your Profile

• Add company logo and description
• Specify your industry (Recycler, Trader, Manufacturer, Broker, etc.)
• List your certifications (ISO, environmental compliance, etc.)
• Add reference contacts or past trade records if available

Step 3: Get Verified

• Verification increases your credibility and access to premium listings
• ScrapTrade team may contact you for additional documentation

3. Seller Guide — How to List Scrap Material

Step 1: Prepare Your Material Information

Before creating a listing, gather the following:

Step 2: Create Your Listing

• Log in and navigate to "Post a Listing"
• Fill in all mandatory fields
• Upload a minimum of 3 photos and 1 video (if available)
• Set your asking price or select "Request for Quote" mode
• Submit for review — listings are activated within 24–48 hours after verification

Step 3: Respond to Buyer Enquiries

• You will receive enquiries via the platform's message center and registered email
• Respond within 24 hours for best results
• Share additional documents (analysis reports, loading photos, weight certificates) on request
• Negotiate pricing and terms within the platform for record-keeping

Step 4: Close the Deal

• Agree on final price, quantity, pricing terms, and payment terms
• Issue a Proforma Invoice (PI) or Sales Contract
• Follow up on payment confirmation / LC opening
• Arrange logistics and provide shipping documents

4. Buyer Guide — How to Source Scrap Material

Step 1: Define Your Requirements

Fill in and submit the Buyer Requirement Form with:

Step 2: Browse or Post a Requirement

• Search active listings using filters (material type, country, quantity, price)
• Or post a "Buyer Requirement" and let verified sellers reach out to you
• Save listings of interest to your watchlist

Step 3: Evaluate Sellers

• Review seller profile, verification status, and trade history
• Request samples, analysis certificates, or loading photos
• Conduct due diligence on seller credentials before committing

Step 4: Negotiate & Confirm

• Use the platform's messaging system to negotiate price and terms
• Request a Proforma Invoice (PI) with all agreed trade terms
• Confirm order by signing the PI or issuing a formal Purchase Order (PO)

Step 5: Arrange Payment & Shipment

• Open LC or arrange TT as per agreed payment terms
• Coordinate with your freight forwarder or use a ScrapTrade-recommended logistics partner
• Track shipment and receive shipping documents (B/L, packing list, weight certificate, etc.)

5. Scrap Material Types & Grades

Ferrous Scrap

Non-Ferrous Scrap

Plastic Scrap

Electronic Scrap (E-Waste)

Paper & OCC Scrap

6. Pricing Terms (Incoterms) Explained

Incoterms define who pays freight, who handles shipping, and where responsibility transfers between buyer and seller.

Which Term to Use?

• Seller prefers: EXW or FOB — minimal responsibility after loading
• Buyer prefers: EXW or FOB — full control over freight and insurance
• Balanced: CIF or CFR — seller handles shipping, buyer handles import
• Turnkey deals: DDP — seller handles everything including customs/duties

7. Payment Terms Explained

Recommended Combinations

8. Inspection & Quality Assurance

Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)

Buyers often require third-party inspection before shipment is confirmed. Common inspection agencies:

• SGS — Société Générale de Surveillance
• Bureau Veritas (BV)
• Intertek
• Alex Stewart International

What Inspectors Check

• Material grade and composition
• Weight / quantity verification
• Contamination levels
• Radioactivity (mandatory for steel scrap)
• Loading supervision and container sealing

Documents Provided Post-Inspection

• Inspection Certificate
• Weight Certificate / Survey Report
• Radiation Certificate (for ferrous/metal scrap)
• Analysis Report / Mill Certificate (if applicable)

Seller's Responsibility

• Allow inspector access to the material
• Ensure material is accessible and clearly segregated
• Cooperate with sampling and testing procedures

9. Shipping & Logistics Basics

Container Types

Key Shipping Documents

10. Seller Checklist

Use this checklist before and after listing your material.

Before Listing

• [ ] Material type and grade clearly identified
• [ ] Quantity confirmed (in MT)
• [ ] Photos taken (minimum 3 clear images)
• [ ] Video recorded (recommended)
• [ ] Material location confirmed (city, country, port)
• [ ] Port of loading identified
• [ ] Pricing terms decided (EXW / FOB / CIF / CFR)
• [ ] Payment terms decided (LC / TT / CAD)
• [ ] Ready stock confirmed or collection timeline set
• [ ] Monthly supply capacity determined (if applicable)
• [ ] Minimum order quantity (MOQ) set
• [ ] Asking price or RFQ preference confirmed

During Active Listing

• [ ] Responding to buyer enquiries within 24 hours
• [ ] Providing additional documents on request (analysis, photos)
• [ ] Keeping listing updated (quantity, availability)
• [ ] Negotiating only within the platform for record-keeping
• [ ] Verifying buyer credentials before disclosing sensitive details

After Deal Agreement

• [ ] Proforma Invoice (PI) or Sales Contract issued
• [ ] Payment confirmation / LC copy received
• [ ] Material set aside and secured for shipment
• [ ] Inspection arranged (if buyer requires)
• [ ] Freight forwarder / shipping line booked
• [ ] Export customs clearance arranged
• [ ] All shipping documents prepared
• [ ] Documents submitted to buyer / buyer's bank

11. Buyer Checklist

Use this checklist before and during sourcing.

Before Posting Requirement

• [ ] Material type and grade clearly defined
• [ ] Required quantity confirmed (per order and monthly)
• [ ] Destination port / country confirmed
• [ ] Preferred Incoterm selected
• [ ] Preferred payment term decided
• [ ] Budget / target price determined
• [ ] Trial order or long-term requirement defined
• [ ] Inspection requirement decided (PSI, radiation certificate, etc.)

During Evaluation

• [ ] Seller profile reviewed (verification, history, location)
• [ ] Photos and videos of material reviewed
• [ ] Analysis or specification sheet requested
• [ ] Reference trade history verified (if large volume)
• [ ] Proforma Invoice (PI) received with all terms
• [ ] PI checked for: quantity, grade, price, Incoterm, payment terms, port

Before Making Payment

• [ ] Contract or PI signed
• [ ] LC application submitted (if LC terms)
• [ ] Freight forwarder notified
• [ ] Import duty / customs requirements verified
• [ ] Inspection agency appointed (if required)

Upon Shipment

• [ ] Bill of Lading received and verified
• [ ] All shipping documents received:
  • [ ] Commercial Invoice
  • [ ] Packing List
  • [ ] Certificate of Origin
  • [ ] Weight Certificate
  • [ ] Radiation Certificate
  • [ ] Inspection Certificate
• [ ] Cargo tracked
• [ ] Customs broker notified for clearance

12. Deal Closure Checklist

Use this at the final stage of every trade transaction.

• [ ] Final price agreed and confirmed in writing
• [ ] Quantity and grade confirmed
• [ ] Incoterm agreed (EXW / FOB / CIF / etc.)
• [ ] Payment term agreed (LC / TT / etc.)
• [ ] Port of loading and destination port confirmed
• [ ] Proforma Invoice / Sales Contract signed by both parties
• [ ] Payment initiated by buyer
• [ ] Payment confirmed by seller
• [ ] Inspection completed (if applicable)
• [ ] Material loaded and container sealed
• [ ] Bill of Lading (B/L) issued by shipping line
• [ ] Full document set shared with buyer / buyer's bank
• [ ] Final weight certificate issued
• [ ] Deal marked as complete on the platform

13. Common Mistakes to Avoid

For Sellers

• Incomplete listings — Missing photos, quantity, or grade drives buyers away
• Inconsistent availability — Listing material that isn't confirmed ready
• Ignoring buyer enquiries — Slow response loses deals to competitors
• Unclear grade descriptions — Always reference ISRI codes or provide a specification sheet
• No inspection cooperation — Refusing PSI reduces buyer confidence
• Dealing outside the platform early — Always verify the buyer before sharing bank details

For Buyers

• Not verifying sellers — Always check verification status and trade history
• Paying 100% TT advance to unknown sellers — Use LC for new relationships
• Skipping pre-shipment inspection — Especially for high-value cargoes
• Not checking radiation certificate — Mandatory for ferrous/metal scrap imports in most countries
• Ignoring import regulations — Different countries have scrap import restrictions; always verify
• Accepting vague grades — Always insist on a clear spec sheet or ISRI code

14. Glossary of Key Terms

15. FAQs

Q: How do I know if a buyer/seller is verified on ScrapTrade? A: Verified members have a verification badge on their profile. You can also view their trade history and registration details.

Q: What is the minimum quantity I can trade on ScrapTrade? A: There is no platform-mandated minimum, but practically, most international trades start from 1 container load (approximately 20–25 MT for dense metals).

Q: Can I list material for both domestic and international buyers? A: Yes. When creating your listing, you can specify whether you are open to domestic buyers, international buyers, or both.

Q: What documents do I need as a seller to export scrap? A: Typically: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, Radiation Certificate, Weight Certificate, and Inspection Certificate (if applicable). Requirements vary by country.

Q: What is the safest payment method for a first-time trade? A: An irrevocable Letter of Credit (LC at Sight) is the safest for both parties. For sellers wanting security, 100% TT advance is also common for small trial orders.

Q: How do I handle a dispute with a buyer or seller? A: Raise a dispute through the ScrapTrade platform. Always conduct negotiations and document exchange within the platform to maintain a clear record. ScrapTrade's trade support team can assist in mediation.

Q: What types of scrap cannot be traded on ScrapTrade? A: Radioactive material, hazardous chemical waste, and any material prohibited under international trade laws or the Basel Convention cannot be listed on the platform.

Q: Can I trade without a third-party inspection? A: Yes, it is not mandatory unless the buyer requires it. However, for large volumes or new trade relationships, it is strongly recommended.

For support or to list your material today, contact the ScrapTrade team or log in to your account.