INDONESIA CHARCOAL SHIPMENT

Transport Charcoal

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), basically the main body that organizes ocean logistics, including the shipping of hookah coals, changes rules for the delivery of charcoal.

It is a change in how the coconut shell charcoal should be handled and under what IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) is shipped.

In simple words, now charcoal is delivered and handled as Dangerous Goods = hazardous cargo (UN1361, class 4.2).

What does it mean for you?

What does it mean for wholesale bulk importers of shisha charcoal from Indonesia?
The first: prices for shipping will probably go up (as usual), the second: need to modify master boxes (cases) to comply with the regulation. Well, an additional headache for all of us.

Shipping price will be higher as you have to pay additional DG fees, a new type of packaging, and additional shipping procedures

What Exactly Happened?

Previously, shisha charcoal was also classified as DG 4.2, but under Special Provision 925 (SP925), which allowed charcoal to be shipped as non-hazardous cargo upon passing specific self-heating tests and documentation.

So, as you know, we always make SHT (Self Heating Tests) before shipping charcoal to you, but now, good news, we do not need to do it. This is good, as you save approximately 120 USD for this SHT.

As for now, charcoal should be classified as Dangerous Goods under Special Provision 978 (SP978), specifically as UN1361 – Carbon, animal or vegetable origin, Class 4.2.

This change is part of the IMDG Code Amendment 42-24, which will be fully enforced by the Maritime Safety Committee starting November 1, 2025, with mandatory compliance effective January 1, 2026.

What is the difference, and why is it important for you

New requirements under SP978:

New Procedure for Factory Audit

Factory Audit (FA) Report: A valid factory audit is mandatory, to be done by an independent surveyor accepted by carrier (example:CARSURIN).

SHT, Weathering, and Temperature Control

Weathering Period: Charcoal must undergo a weathering process for a minimum of 14 days prior to packaging – basically the same as before, no changes here.
Temperature Control: The temperature of the charcoal must not exceed 40°C on the day of packaging. Same as before. For sure, we have to check that the charcoal is not hot, it protects it from burning.
SHT: SELF HEATING TEST, by independent laboratory/surveyor accepted by carrier (CARSURIN)

New Requirements for Packaging

Packaging: Only UN-approved packaging is permitted – it is a big change.

Packaging types such as 5H1, 5L1, and 5M1 are no longer acceptable:
5H1 – is bags, Woven plastic, without inner liner or coating
5L1 – is a textile bag, without an inner liner or coating
5M1 – is paper bags, multiwall, but if multiwall, water-resistant is OK

So no more plastic or paper bags. This is a big deal for BBQ or wood charcoal, as shisha charcoal is usually packed in cardboard cases (boxes).

Additional Stickers and Notifications

That is a big deal. So now all packaging needs to be equipped with 4 (four) stickers DG 4.2, one on each side.

Meaning that your beautiful design will be adjusted. Additional cost for printing those stickers, approx. 6 USD per ton multiplied by 4 will be an additional 24 USD per ton, just for these stickers.

Moreover, each box should be printed with the UN standard code for the Dangerous Goods.
To get this Code factory needs to apply to the Indonesian Government Center for Standardization of Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Packaging Services in the Indonesian language, it is Balai Besar Standardisasi Pelayanan Jasa Industri Kimia, Farmasi dan Kemasan (BBSPJIKFK).

The procedure requires additional cost for sending samples of boxes to be tested and approved by BBSPJIKFK, then the inspector from the Center will visit the factory (need to pay his transport and visiting cost again), train our factory staff to handle your boxes according to the safety regulation, and only after that, you can apply UN code to the boxes.

Do not forget that boxes are certified for a certain weight, for example, for 10 kg. So if you order in 20 kg -you need to make the all certification procedure again.

Stowage:

A minimum headspace of 30 cm must be maintained inside the container. Meaning that in 20″ft container you cannot fit any more 20 tons, just 16-17 tons. For a 40″ ft is safe, no changes.

Vacuum Thermal Blanket

Thermal Protection: Use of Uniqliner (thermal blanket) is mandatory – same as usual, vacuum thermal blanket is always used.

Conclusion

On one hand, shipping price will be higher as you have to pay additional DG fees, a new type of packaging, and additional shipping procedures. On the other hand, fewer factories will be able to export, so the market will consolidate with proper charcoal factories only.