Find Verified Tin Scrap Buyers, Importers and Buy Leads

The Strategic Role of Tin Scrap in the Circular Economy and International Trade

The discarded tin materials that we can recycle and reuse are known as tin scrap. In the global materials market, it plays a crucial role in enhancing resource efficiency and reducing reliance on primary tin extraction. In fact, the high recyclability and corrosion resistance of tin make it a key input in sectors like packaging, electronics, and construction. Used in a variety of applications, from soldering in electronics and food-grade tin plating to chemical production, tin remains an important industrial metal.  It is also commonly reused in alloys such as brass and bronze. However, due to rising concerns over mining impacts and material costs, global manufacturers are now turning to scrap tin recycling to meet their needs.

Did you know?

• Recycling 1 tonne of tin conserves around 2,600 kWh of energy.
• Every tonne of recycled tin eliminates the need to mine roughly 1.5 tonnes of tin ore.
• Tin recycling uses around 99% less energy than producing tin from raw materials.

As demand for circular material flows grows, tin scrap has emerged as a critical component of international trade and industrial supply chains.  And this shift is opening new doors for suppliers or exporters who can consistently supply clean, sorted, and recoverable tin metal scrap to global markets. 

Why Global Demand for Tin Scrap Is Increasing

The extensive use of tin in various high-growth industries, along with the need for sustainable resource management, is a major driver of demand for tin scrap. Moreover, recycling tin scrap offers both environmental and economic benefits, making it an attractive option for governments and businesses alike. Let's try to understand it in more detail:

• As you already know, tin is 100% recyclable and retains its properties even after multiple processing cycles. Recycling tin can be more cost-effective than mining and processing new tin. And that's why it is considered economically and environmentally valuable in the secondary metals market.

• Since over 50% of the world’s tin is used for soldering, demand from electronics and circuit board makers keeps rising. To cut costs, many scrap tin buyers are turning to solder scrap and recycled tin alloys instead of newly mined tin.

• Did you know tin is also used in solar cells (especially tin-based perovskite types) and in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage? As more EVs hit the road, demand for tin increases due to its role in batteries and other key parts.

• There are a few other major reasons why tin scrap is in such high demand. For one, major tin-producing countries like Indonesia, Myanmar, and the DRC often deal with supply disruptions. That’s where recycled tin comes in, as it helps keep things moving and ensures that importing countries have a more reliable source.

• The EU, China, and the US are investing heavily in sustainable sourcing. Many tin scrap importers work with certified recycling or smelting facilities that process scrap into reusable tin ingots.

Different Tin Scrap Types and Grades in Global Trade

Whether you're exporting tinplate sheets, misprints, or tin powder residue, buyer requirements vary. And thus, it is important to know your scrap type. Besides, tin scrap has various sources. From manufacturing processes, construction sites, to consumer products, tin scrap can be found in various places. Having knowledge of different grades and key sources will help you fulfil the buyer's requirements efficiently. Here are the most common types and grades of tin scrap, along with their common sources or origin.

Types of Tin Scrap:

Grades of Tin Scrap:

Exporters of tin scrap often diversify into related metal and scrap categories to maximize profitability and reach a broader buyer base. Here are some additional product offerings you can consider exploring and expanding into.

• Tin Products (including tin plate, tin sheet, tin alloy, tin powder, tin ore, and tin plate misprints)
• Ferrous metal scrap and non-ferrous metal scrap
• Metal Scraps (such as copper scrap, aluminium scrap, titanium scrap, lead scrap, iron scrap, steel scrap, stainless steel scrap, and zinc scrap)
• Non-metal or mixed scraps (like battery scrap, plastic scrap, compressor scrap, and automobile scrap)
• Electronic scrap or e-waste (especially solder-rich components)

Successfully exporting tin scrap requires more than just knowing the types and grades or understanding the material. It also involves adhering to regulations, maintaining quality, as well as meeting buyer expectations. Thus, here are some considerations to take into account when exporting tin scrap:

• Classify scrap accurately on the basis of tin content, purity, and material type
• Remember that clean, sorted scrap is more valuable than mixed or contaminated scrap
• Make sure to meet buyer specifications for size, shape, and weight
• Remove contaminants (such as plastic, lead, or other non-metallic materials)
• Follow the export regulations of your country. Certain scraps may be restricted or require permits in your region.
• Use durable, transport-friendly packaging (such as metal drums, jumbo bags, or palletized bundles)
• Clearly label each package with required key information

What the Global Market Says About Tin Scrap: Insights for Export & Import

Tin scrap and recycling constitute a small but growing niche within the metal recycling market. From the tin recycling market size to top importers, every exporter should stay informed on key insights that help in identifying opportunities and grow business. So, let us find out what the global market says about this essential global commodity.

Tin Recycling Market Size:

Source: Core Connect Research (Linkedin)

Top 3 Tin Scrap Importers Worldwide:

Source: Volza

Like other non-ferrous metal scraps, there are several market factors that influence the price of tin scrap. These include purity and composition (higher tin content commands better rates), physical form (such as solder, sheet, or alloy), global supply disruptions, and logistics or freight costs.

As of July 2025, the tin scrap price per kg is EUR 14.72, which is equal to EUR 14,720 per metric ton (Source: METALOOP).

How to Find Verified Tin Scrap Buyers Near Me Or Globally?

Here's your guide to finding and connecting with verified tin metal scrap buyers near you or globally:

• Platforms like go4WorldBusiness allow scrap exporters to list products and connect with verified tin scrap buyers.
• Industry trade shows and conferences (such as IFAT, ISRI Convention, or Metal Recycling Conferences) can help you meet potential buyers in person.
• Social media networks like LinkedIn can be a great tool for connecting with tin scrap importers, procurement heads, or operations managers at recycling plants and metal traders.
• You can work with export councils and trade associations, such as the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) or Bureau of International Recycling (BIR). They often maintain directories of certified scrap tin buyers. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Is it legal to export tin scrap from India (or my country)?

Yes, exporting tin scrap is legal from most countries, especially India. However, you must comply with national export regulations. For example, in India, exporters must:

• Register with the DGFT 
• Ensure their scrap is non-hazardous
• Meet applicable environmental and customs standards

2. What is the HS code for tin scrap?

 80020090 is the tin scrap HSN code.

3. Which countries import tin scrap the most?

Vietnam, Poland, and Malaysia are the biggest tin scrap importers worldwide. 

4. What documentation is required for exporting tin scrap?

Documentation required for exporting tin scrap includes:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading

• Certificate of Origin
• Export License (if applicable)
• Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate (for some destinations)

• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Some countries may also require radiation or fumigation certificates, especially for mixed or used scrap.

5. Can mixed metal scrap with tin content be exported?

Yes, mixed metal scrap containing tin can usually be exported, but it must be properly declared and clearly categorized. Moreover, some countries have strict rules on hazardous or mixed waste, so pre-sorting and testing may be required.

6. How to find tin scrap buyers?

You can find verified tin scrap buyers through:

B2B platforms (like go4WorldBusiness)

Scrap-specific trade websites

Industry associations (e.g., BIR, ISRI)

LinkedIn and metal trade forums

Trade shows and recycling expos

7. What is the tin scrap price per kg?

As of July 2025, the tin scrap price per kg is approx. EUR 14.72 or about USD 17.20.

8. What are the applications of tin scrap?

Here are the most common applications of tin scrap:

• Solder manufacturing for electronics
• Re-tinning and electroplating
• Alloy production (bronze, babbitt, pewter)
• Chemical manufacturing (tin oxides, stannous chloride)
• Battery production (especially in EVs and energy storage)
• Solar cells (tin-based perovskite cells)

Latest News Related to Tin Global Trade:

Indonesia, one of the world's largest tin exporters, saw a 33% fall in refined tin shipments in 2024 due to regulatory restrictions and reduced mining quotas. (Full Story: Reddit)