Primary aluminium ingot grades: how to read P1020 and related designations

Aluminium & metals · 24 Oct 2026

Many enquiries for primary aluminium simply say "P1020" or "99.7%". Those labels carry a precise meaning. Knowing it helps a buyer compare offers on equal terms and spot a document that does not match the product.

What "P1020A" means

The Aluminum Association publishes a registration record of designations for unalloyed aluminium, known as the "Gold Sheets". These designations mainly cover metal produced for remelting.

The format is PXXYYA:

• XX is the maximum silicon content, multiplied by 100;
• YY is the maximum iron content, multiplied by 100;
• the final letter separates variants with different limits on other elements.

So P1020A means silicon at most 0.10% and iron at most 0.20%. The record also sets limits for other elements.

P1020A limits (Gold Sheets, August 2025 revision)

Aluminium is listed as the "remainder". It is calculated by subtracting the other measured elements from 100.

Other P-grades you may see

The same record registers purer and less pure grades:

• P0610A: silicon at most 0.06%, iron at most 0.10%.
• P0303A: silicon at most 0.03%, iron at most 0.03%.
• P1535A: silicon at most 0.15%, iron at most 0.35%.

Each grade also has its own limits for other elements.

Lower numbers mean purer metal and a different end use. A specification should state the exact designation, including the final letter, not just "P1020".

What an exchange grade means

The London Metal Exchange (LME) primary aluminium contract defines a deliverable quality. The metal must meet the limits of either:

• P1020A (North American and International Registration Record); or
• Al99.70 under the Chinese standard GB/T 1196-2017.

The LME contract also sets the following:

• Shapes: ingots, T-bars and sows.
• Lot size: 25 tonnes, with a ±2% tolerance.
• Brand: the metal must come from an LME-approved brand.
• Storage: it must be held in an LME-approved warehouse.

These rules apply to metal delivered against the exchange contract. A physical sale between two companies is governed by its own contract. Still, many physical buyers use the same quality definition as a reference.

Documents to ask for

A credible offer for primary ingot should be backed by documents that match the product. Ask for:

• A certificate of analysis from the producer. It should show the measured chemistry by lot or cast, not only the specification limits.
• The producer's brand and the cast or lot identifiers. These should match the markings on the ingots or bundles.
• The packing list and weights. These should match the commercial invoice and the bill of lading.
• An independent inspection report where the contract calls for one. This covers weight, marking, sampling and analysis by a recognised inspection company.

Practical checks

• The designation is complete. "P1020A" is precise. "99.7% aluminium" is a description. Ask which standard it refers to.
• The chemistry is actual, not copied. A certificate showing exactly the specification limits for every element is a warning sign.
• Markings are consistent. Brand and lot marks on the metal should match the certificate.
• Shape and bundle details are stated. Ingot, T-bar or sow, and bundle weight, affect handling and freight.
• The sampling method is agreed. Agree it before shipment, not after a dispute.

Summary

"P1020A" is a registered designation with defined limits for silicon, iron and other elements. Exchange-grade aluminium adds rules on brands, lot size and storage. Buyers should specify the exact designation, ask for actual analysis tied to identifiable lots, and check that every document tells the same story.

General guidance only. The official registration record, the exchange rulebook and your contract govern.