Copper Wire Scrap Supplier in China – Prepared for the GB/T 38471 Standard
China is the largest consumer of recycled copper, but it no longer accepts copper scrap as waste. Since 1 January 2021 solid waste imports are banned, and copper can only enter as recycled copper raw material that meets the national standard GB/T 38471-2019, in force since 1 November 2020. Metal Product Zone supplies clean, stripped copper wire from Tanzania for Chinese rod mills, refiners and traders who need material that clears customs under these rules.
How the Chinese Import Rules Affect What You Can Buy
- Only standard-compliant material can be imported. Recycled copper that meets GB/T 38471-2019 is treated as a raw material rather than solid waste and can be imported freely.
- Non-compliant scrap is prohibited. Mixed, contaminated or insulated material that falls outside the standard is treated as solid waste and cannot be cleared.
- Customs inspection at the port. China Customs checks recycled copper consignments against the standard on arrival, so grading and packing must be consistent across the whole container.
- Customs code. Recycled copper raw material is declared under commodity code 7404000030.
Our Copper Wire Scrap for Chinese Buyers
For China we offer bare bright Millberry wire (around 99.9% Cu): stripped, unalloyed and free of insulation, oil and attachments. Each lot is graded and photographed before loading, and a packing list with lot weights travels with the bill of lading so your team can match the cargo to the declaration.
Shipping from Dar es Salaam to China
Containers sail from Dar es Salaam to the main eastern ports used by the recycled copper industry, such as Ningbo, Shanghai, Tianjin and Guangzhou (Huangpu). The Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Guangdong regions host many of China’s copper rod and recycling plants. We quote FOB Dar es Salaam or CIF to your chosen Chinese port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you ship insulated copper cable to China?
No. Insulated cable does not meet the recycled copper raw material standard, so we only offer stripped, clean wire for Chinese buyers.
Which standard does the material need to meet?
GB/T 38471-2019 (recycled copper raw materials). Brass scrap falls under a separate standard, GB/T 38470.
What happens if a container fails inspection?
Material that does not meet the standard is treated as solid waste and cannot be cleared, which is why grade consistency and pre-shipment checks matter so much for China.
Request a copper wire scrap quote for China with your target grade, tonnage and port.