Verification scope

This document sets out what Copper Supply checks when it verifies a member, and the limits of those checks. It forms part of our terms of use. In short: a badge confirms identity and paperwork as at the date shown. It never guarantees goods, payment or performance.

1. Principles

• Each badge names its level and the date it was granted, and shows what was checked.
• We never claim more than was checked.
• Badges expire and can be withdrawn.
• Verification is about the member and their paperwork, not about any particular trade.

2. The levels

L0 · Not verified

What we check: email confirmed only.

What it means: the member can receive email at the address on the account. Nothing else.

L1 · Identity checked

What we check: government id, live selfie and sanctions screening. In practice, the member submits images of a government-issued identity document and a selfie taken at the time of the check. We check that the document appears genuine and current, that the selfie matches the document, and that the name does not match a person on the sanctions lists we screen.

What it does not cover: the member's company, authority to act for anyone, financial standing, or any goods.

L2 · Company checked

What we check: company registry, directors and sanctions on the company. In practice, the member provides the company's registration details and documents. We check the company against the official registry where one is available, confirm that it is active, confirm that the member is a director, officer or authorised representative, and screen the company and its directors against sanctions lists. We may also check proof of address and that the company's email domain and website are consistent.

What it does not cover: whether the company holds stock, has funds, holds licences beyond those we state we checked, or will perform any contract.

L3 · Has traded

What we check: past shipment papers reviewed by our team. In practice, a person on our team reviews documents from past trades, such as bills of lading, invoices and inspection certificates, and, for producers, mining or export licences against the relevant cadastre or ministry records where accessible. We look for consistency between documents and with the member's company.

What it does not cover: future performance, the current availability of goods, or the quality of any future cargo. Past trades do not guarantee the next one.

L4 · Goods seen

What we check: an independent inspector confirmed the material on site. In practice, an independent inspection company visits the site, plant or warehouse and reports what it observed on a stated date.

What it does not cover: anything after the date of the visit. Stock moves and can be sold, pledged or replaced. Always check the date.

3. Sources and methods

We use information supplied by the member, official company registries, sanctions and watch lists, and, where switched on, an identity-verification provider. For L4 we rely on an independent inspection company's report. Where a registry or record is not accessible online, we may rely on certified copies, which carry more risk, and we may decline to verify.

Automated tools may help us, but a person on our team makes the final decision on every level.

4. How long a badge lasts

Badges are valid for 12 months from the date shown, unless an earlier expiry is shown. L4 badges show the date of the inspection, and buyers should treat them as current only for a short time. When a badge expires, the member's profile shows the level they still hold.

5. When we withdraw a badge

We may suspend or withdraw a badge at any time if:

• a fraud report against the member is upheld;
• we learn that information or documents provided were false or have changed;
• a sanctions match is found;
• the member breaches our terms or member code; or
• the member does not pay for a paid plan that includes the badge.

6. What no badge means

No badge, at any level, means that:

• the member owns or controls any goods, unless stated for L4 on the date shown;
• any cargo meets its stated grade, weight or origin;
• the member has funds or can open any payment instrument;
• any document the member shares is genuine;
• we recommend the member or any trade; or
• a trade with the member is safe.

You remain responsible for your own due diligence, inspection and payment structure. Our due-diligence reports and document checks can help, within their own stated limits.

7. Disputes and corrections

If you believe a verification decision about you is wrong, or a badge shown for another member is wrong, email sales@copper.supply with the details. We will review it and correct it if we got it wrong.