Oct 21 (Reuters) - The Shanghai International Energy Exchange (INE) said on Wednesday it would hold two weeks of mock trading in its upcoming copper futures as the much anticipated launch of the contract, which is open to overseas investors, draws nearer.

INE parent the Shanghai Futures Exchange, which has its own copper futures for domestic participants, said last week the INE contract would list in November but a precise launch date has not been set.

The trial will run from Oct. 26 to Nov. 6, the INE said in a statement on its website, and involve copper futures contracts for delivery from March 2021 to October 2021.

INE copper prices, quoted in yuan, will exclude tax customs duties as delivery will be into bonded warehouses.

Chinese commodity bourses often hold simulated trading sessions for a new contract before its live launch.

The INE simulated trading hours will be from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (0100-0330 GMT) and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. (0530-0700 GMT), Monday to Friday. There will also be a session from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. (1300-1700 GMT), the INE said. (Reporting by Tom Daly; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)