Coconut Shell Charcoal Briquettes for Shisha & Hookah: Sizes, Specifications, Packaging and FOB Pricing
Coconut shell charcoal briquettes are a natural shisha and hookah charcoal made from carbonized coconut shell bound with tapioca starch and pressed into 25 mm cubes, 26 mm cubes or hexagonal briquettes. They burn long with low ash and contain no chemical accelerant, unlike quick-light coals, and they ship by sea as UN 1361 Class 4.2 dangerous goods.
What coconut shell charcoal briquettes are
Coconut shell charcoal briquettes, sold in the trade as shisha charcoal or hookah coals, are made from coconut shell that has been carbonized, ground to powder, mixed with a tapioca starch binder and pressed into 25 mm cubes, 26 mm cubes or hexagonal briquettes. The pressed pieces are then oven-dried to the target moisture before packing.
Customs classify them under HS 4402.20 (charcoal of shell or nut), introduced in HS 2022; some countries still enter them under the older 4402.90. Confirm the code your customs authority applies with your broker.
They are not quick-light coals, which contain an ignition accelerant; not BBQ briquettes, which are usually made from wood or mixed char with other binders; and not activated carbon, which is a processed adsorbent sold under HS 3802.
Shoot: Close-up of 26 mm coconut shell charcoal cubes with sharp edges and a matte black surface
product-cubes-closeupSizes and shapes
Cube 25 mm, Cube 26 mm and Hexagonal are held in stock. Hexagonal dimensions are agreed with the buyer, so pieces per kg depend on the final size. Payloads assume the standard master carton; the exact figure depends on carton format and whether the container is palletized.
Shoot: Cubes of 25 and 26 mm side by side with a ruler for scale
product-sizes-matrix| Format | Size | Pcs per kg | Pcs per 1 kg box | t per 20' | t per 40' | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cube 25 mm | 25 × 25 × 25 mm | 72 | 72 | 18–19.5 | 25–26 | Lounge standard in many markets |
| Cube 26 mm | 26 × 26 × 26 mm | 64 | 64 | 18–19.5 | 25–26 | Fits common heat-management devices; most-requested export size |
| Hexagonal | To client request | Depends on size | Depends on size | 17 | 25.5 | Natural-coal positioning |
Shoot: Hexagonal charcoal briquettes arranged in a group on a light surface
product-shapes-flat-hexa-stickSpecifications
Each parameter below is reported on a Certificate of Analysis from Carsurin or Beckjorindo. The typical ranges below are owner-confirmed; request the current shipment COA for batch results. Buyers who need a guaranteed range can have it written into the proforma invoice and checked by an independent laboratory at loading.
Shoot: A glowing coconut charcoal cube covered with light grey ash during a bench burn test
product-white-ash-burn| Parameter | Unit | Typical range | Test method | Verified by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ash content | % | 1.6–2.3 | ASTM D3174 | Carsurin / Beckjorindo |
| Moisture content | % | 6–8 | ASTM D3173 | Carsurin / Beckjorindo |
| Fixed carbon | % | 75–85 | ASTM D3172 | Carsurin / Beckjorindo |
| Volatile matter | % | 12–15 | ASTM D3175 | Carsurin / Beckjorindo |
| Calorific value | kcal/kg | 7,200–7,500 | ASTM D5865 | Carsurin / Beckjorindo |
| Burn time | minutes | 80–150, by format | 3 cubes, standard bowl, 3-person session | Carsurin / Beckjorindo |
Burn test on video
Film: 2–3 minutes. Bench test with a visible clock: lighting, ember timeline, ash at the end; state the test conditions on screen.
product-burn-testBurn test: 26 mm cube from first light to ash
A bench burn test of one 26 mm cube from first light to ash, with the test conditions stated on screen.
Ready stock and lead time
Finished charcoal is held in stock in Magelang, so your lead time is set by packaging and shipping, not production. The blocks show current stock by format.
Ready stock as of 24 October 2026
Cube 25 mm
150 t
In stock
Cube 26 mm
120 t
In stock
Hexagonal
80 t
In stock
Figures are updated by the factory; confirm current availability on WhatsApp.
- Artwork approval. You approve the dielines for each inner box and master carton.
- Print, 2–3 weeks. Boxes and cartons are printed with your brand.
- Packing from stock. Charcoal is packed from ready stock into the printed packaging.
- DG booking. The container is booked as UN 1361 CARBON, Class 4.2, with the carrier's DG desk, typically 7–10 days before loading.
- Sailing. The container is loaded and sails from the Port of Semarang (Tanjung Emas).
Shoot: Labelled pallets of finished charcoal sorted by cube size in the warehouse
product-stock-palletsPackaging formats
Charcoal is packed in sealed inner boxes, which go into master cartons. Every box and carton is printed under the buyer's brand; we do not ship unbranded or factory-branded stock.
Shoot: Inner boxes of shisha charcoal stacked, one open to show the cubes inside
product-inner-boxesShoot: Master cartons being sealed and labelled on the packing table
product-master-carton| Unit | Sizes |
|---|---|
| Inner box | 250 g · 500 g · 1 kg |
| Master carton | 10 kg · 20 kg |
- Floor-loaded: cartons stacked directly in the container, giving the highest payload per container.
- Palletized: cartons on pallets, faster to unload at destination but with a lower payload — about 3 t less per 20' container, and no reduction on a 40'.
Container math
Payload depends on shape more than size: cubes pack densely, while hexagonal shapes leave more air between pieces. Use these figures to estimate how many containers a season needs.
Shoot: Interior of a 20 ft container fully loaded with charcoal cartons, headspace left below the roof
product-container-loaded| Format | t per 20' | t per 40' |
|---|---|---|
| Cube 25 mm | 18–19.5 | 25–26 |
| Cube 26 mm | 18–19.5 | 25–26 |
| Hexagonal | 17 | 25.5 |
Indicative FOB Semarang pricing
Prices are quoted per ton, FOB Semarang, and confirmed on a written proforma invoice. The figures below are indicative and non-binding.
| Basis | Tons | Indicative FOB value |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | 1 | USD 1,800–1,900 |
| 20' container | ≈ 18 | USD 32,400–34,200 |
| 40' container | ≈ 25 | USD 45,000–47,500 |
Indicative, non-binding · As of October 2026
Price drivers
- Size and shape — non-cube shapes carry less weight per container.
- Packaging — box size, carton format and print finish.
- Number of print designs in the container.
- Volume — single container versus repeat or multi-container orders.
Landed-cost example: one 40' container to the USA
| Cost line | Amount |
|---|---|
| FOB Semarang | USD 45,000–47,500 |
| Ocean freight to the USA | USD 4,500 per 40' container (October 2026) |
| Insurance | 0.3 % of cargo value |
| US customs duty | 0 — coconut shell charcoal entered duty-free under CBP ruling N306942; confirm with your broker |
| Broker fee; port fees separate | Broker USD 350–500 per entry; port and terminal fees quoted separately |
| Total landed | USD 45,000–47,500 + freight, insurance, broker and destination port fees |
| Per kg landed | USD 1.80–1.90 per kg FOB + freight, insurance, broker and destination port fees |
MOQ, payment and order flow
The minimum order is one full 20' or 40' container. Payment is by T/T to the PT company account only.
- Sample — we send a 1 kg sample from current stock.
- Spec and design agreement — format, packaging and artwork are agreed in writing.
- Proforma invoice — issued by PT Hookah Coals Coconut Charcoal Indonesia.
- 50% deposit — by T/T to the company account.
- Print and pack from stock — 2–3 weeks for printing, then packing.
- 50% balance and DG shipment — you may inspect the stock at the factory in Magelang before paying the balance; the container then ships as UN 1361 Class 4.2.
Coconut charcoal vs the alternatives
These product classes are often confused in quotations and customs entries. The table compares classes, not brands.
Shoot: Coconut shell charcoal cubes next to quick-light coated coals showing the different surface
product-vs-quick-light| Coconut shell briquettes | Quick-light coals | Wood / lump charcoal | BBQ briquettes | Activated carbon | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Carbonized coconut shell | Wood or mixed char | Hardwood | Wood or mixed char | Coconut shell, coal or wood |
| Binder / additives | Tapioca starch | Ignition accelerant | None | Starch or other binders, often fillers | None (activated by steam or chemicals) |
| Ignition | Electric heater, 8–12 minutes (600 W) | Lighter, seconds | Lighter or burner | Lighter fluid or chimney | Not a fuel |
| Suitable for shisha | Yes | Used, but flavor of accelerant may carry | Not typical | No | No |
| HS family | 4402.20 (or 4402.90) | 4402 | 4402.90 | 4402 | 3802 |
Wholesale buyer FAQ
What is the minimum order?
One full container, 20' or 40'. We do not sell less-than-container loads.
How long does an order take if the charcoal is in stock?
Printing your branded boxes and cartons takes 2–3 weeks after artwork approval. The charcoal is already in stock, so packing and dangerous goods booking follow directly after printing.
Is the sample free?
Yes, we send a free 1 kg sample from current stock. You pay the courier cost, and we refund it against your first order.
What is the port of loading?
Port of Semarang (Tanjung Emas), Central Java. All prices are FOB Semarang.
What are the payment terms?
50% deposit and 50% before shipment, by T/T to the PT Hookah Coals Coconut Charcoal Indonesia company account only.
Which documents come with a shipment?
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, Certificate of Analysis from Carsurin or Beckjorindo, MSDS, Dangerous Goods Declaration, weathering certificate and certificate of origin. Request document copies on WhatsApp.