Can I demand re-testing by an independent lab if I disagree with the seller's assay certificate?
Short answer: You can certainly request independent re-testing, and this is a reasonable ask, particularly for a higher-value or disputed shipment — whether the seller agrees to it, and who bears the cost, often depends on your specific agreement terms and how the re-test outcome compares to the original assay, so it's worth having a clear understanding of these terms before a dispute arises, not just during one.
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Source Scrap →Why requesting independent re-testing is reasonable
If you have genuine doubts about a seller’s assay results, an independent lab provides a neutral, third-party assessment that removes the inherent conflict of interest in a seller testing their own material — this is a legitimate way to resolve a genuine disagreement about composition or purity.
What typically determines whether this happens smoothly
Many agreements specify a process for this scenario, including who initiates re-testing and how costs are allocated — checking whether your specific agreement addresses this before you need it gives you much more clarity than negotiating the process only after a dispute has already arisen.
What a reasonable cost allocation might look like
A common, fair approach is for the party whose original assessment is proven incorrect by the independent re-test to bear the re-testing cost — this creates a reasonable incentive for both parties to provide accurate results in the first place.
How ScrapTrade Makes This Easier
Establishing testing and dispute resolution expectations upfront as part of a ScrapTrade transaction avoids ambiguity about the re-testing process if a genuine disagreement arises later.
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