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DFARS DOES NOT APPLY TO COPPER ALLOYS

Common Misconception: Many machine shops request DFARS certification on all purchase orders, but copper alloys do not require it.

 

DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) does not classify copper alloys as specialty metals. This means that, unlike some other metals, there are no specific DFARS restrictions on the origin or melting location of copper alloys used in defense contracts.

 

DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement)

 

How does this apply to bronze?

 

Excerpt from DFARS 252.225-7009

 

Q9. What is the definition of “Specialty Metals”?

 

A9. The definition of specialty metals is contained in DFARS 252.225-7008:

 

1. Steel

With a maximum alloy content exceeding one or more of the following limits: manganese, 1.65 percent; silicon, 0.60 percent; or copper, 0.60 percent; or containing more than 0.25 percent of any of the following elements: aluminum, chromium, cobalt, columbium, molybdenum, nickel, titanium, tungsten or vanadium

 

2. Metal Alloys Consisting of:

Nickel or iron-nickel alloys that contain a total of alloying metals other than nickel and iron in excess of 10 percent; or Cobalt alloys that contain a total of alloying metals other than cobalt and iron in excess of 10 percent

 

3. Titanium and titanium alloys

 

4. Zirconium and zirconium base alloys

 

VIEW DOCUMENT

 

Key Points Regarding Copper Alloys and DFARS:

 

Copper and copper alloys (such as brass and bronze) are not classified as "specialty metals" under DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) 252.225-7009 or similar clauses

 

  • No Specialty Metal Restriction: Unlike steel, titanium, or nickel-based alloys, copper-based alloys do not require melting in the U.S. or a qualifying country to be DFARS compliant.

 

  • Definition Limitation: DFARS 252.225-7008 limits the definition of "Specialty Metals" to specific types of steel, Titanium, Zirconium, and high-alloy Nickel/Cobalt/Iron-Nickel mixtures.

 

  • Exceptions: Copper alloys are explicitly excluded from the Specialty Metals Restriction on sourcing. 

dfars brass bronze copper
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What's Driving
Metal Prices

Factors creating the on-going surge in copper prices and base metal prices.

The U.S. imposed a 50% Section 232 tariff on the copper content of semi-finished and derivative copper products, effective August 1, 2025. These tariffs aim to bolster domestic production but create complexities for businesses in pricing, sourcing, and compliance, affecting global copper markets. 

In addition copper costs are soaring due to massive demand from the energy transition (EVs, renewables, grid) and AI data centers colliding with slow mine supply growth, production disruptions (labor, technical issues), aging mines, and government policies like tariffs, creating a structural supply deficit. 

Tin prices jumped to a record level due to a severe, ongoing global supply squeeze from mine disruptions (DRC, Myanmar, Indonesia) and increasing demand driven by its critical role in electronics (solder), green energy tech, and packaging, creating a significant market deficit and attracting speculative investment. Supply chain issues, including export permit delays and political instability in key producing regions, combined with growing recognition of tin's necessity for the energy transition, fueled a rally to multi-year highs in late 2025 and early 2026. 

Nickel prices are rising due to anticipated supply cuts from major producer Indonesia, tighter quotas, increased demand from stainless steel and EV battery sectors (despite some LFP shifts), speculative buying, and broader market strength in metals, with investors reacting to policy signals and potential disruptions.

metals@anchorbronze.com

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