In order to ensure the quality of the deliverables listed on the LME warehouse receipt, all metals must be one of the brands designated by LME. To register the LME metal brand, you must submit an application in the name of the manufacturer through a member of the LME Exchange or a member of the joint clearing broker. At the time of application, quality inspection certificates issued by two quality inspection institutions recognized by LME must also be submitted. LME requires registered brands to meet all quality requirements stipulated in the contract.

Shanghai Futures Exchange stipulates that cathode copper used for physical delivery must be a brand registered on the exchange. High purity cathode copper can replace delivery. LME registered cathode copper can also be provided as a substitute. The specific registered brands and premium standards shall be separately stipulated and published by the Exchange.

In a sense, LME and SMEs have the same quality standards for trading varieties, and the possibility of arbitrage through quality differences is almost zero.