Impurity

Impurity in foreign trade specifically refers to trace substances in goods that are not the main component, do not comply with contract specifications, or affect product purity and performance. It is commonly found in transactions of chemicals, minerals, agricultural products, and metal materials. Usage scenarios include: specifying maximum impurity content in contract quality clauses (e.g., 'impurity not exceeding 0.5%'), impurity analysis in inspection reports, and basis for claims and compensation. Notes: Impurity differs from 'Foreign Matter'—the former usually refers to trace components with chemical or physical properties similar to the main component, while the latter refers to obvious external contaminants; excessive impurity content may constitute a fundamental breach of contract, giving the buyer the right to reject or claim. It is the opposite of 'Purity'—the higher the purity, the lower the impurity. Foreign trade practitioners should clearly specify impurity testing methods, sampling standards, and allowable tolerances in contracts to avoid disputes arising from testing differences.