Effective January 2026, a significant international maritime regulation change has taken effect: Coconut Shell Charcoal (activated carbon) is now explicitly classified in international trade as a Class 4.2 Dangerous Good (Substance Liable to Spontaneous Combustion), with UN number 1361 or 1362. This means all sea shipments of coconut shell charcoal must strictly follow full dangerous goods procedures. Any oversight may lead to cargo detention, hefty fines, or even return shipment.
🔍 Why the Sudden Reclassification?
Due to its highly porous structure, coconut shell charcoal can undergo slow oxidation and heat accumulation under certain conditions, posing a potential spontaneous combustion risk. The latest edition of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code 42-24), based on safety assessments, has explicitly included it under dangerous goods control. This requires all related businesses to treat the "dangerous goods property" as the primary operational prerequisite.
📋 Essential "Dual Certifications" for Importers
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Basic Qualification: Goods import-export rights (customs registration).
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Critical Qualification: Dangerous Goods Business License (applied from Emergency Management departments, etc.). Mandatory for long-term or bulk importers; temporary importers must operate through licensed agents.
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Key Note: Importing without proper qualifications risks cargo confiscation, return, and legal liability.
📑 Mandatory Dangerous Goods Documentation (Required in addition to standard cargo documents)
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MSDS (Safety Data Sheet): The "ID card" for dangerous goods, required in both Chinese and a foreign language.
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Dangerous Goods Compliance Declaration: Declares to customs that the goods comply with Chinese regulations.
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Chinese Danger Label & Transport Warning Mark: Must be affixed to packaging, complying with national standards GB 15258 and GB 190.
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Product Information Label: Must at least state product name, country of origin, net weight, etc., in Chinese.
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Optional Document: Certificate of Origin (required for claiming tariff preferences).
📦 Mandatory Packaging and Marking Requirements
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Packaging Grade: Must use certified Group II or III dangerous goods packaging compliant with IMDG Code (e.g., specific steel drums, composite packaging).
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UN Markings: Packaging must bear clear UN packaging certification marks as proof of compliance.
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Dual Marking "Insurance":
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Hazard Marks: Conspicuous Class 4.2 "Spontaneously Combustible" pictogram with Chinese text.
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Information Mark: Basic product information label.
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Critical Practice Point: All labelling must be completed in the exporting country before shipment; it cannot be remedied upon port arrival.
🚢 New Customs Clearance Process (Increased Complexity, Step-by-Step)
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Pre-Shipment Compliance (Export): Overseas party must complete compliant packaging and labelling.
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Booking & Declaration: Book under "Dangerous Goods" and submit the dangerous goods declaration in advance.
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Arrival & Clearance: Declare to customs upon port arrival.
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Strict Inspection: Customs conducts 100% open-container inspection for imported dangerous goods, verifying packaging, markings, and documents.
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Pick-up & Storage: Must use licensed dangerous goods transport vehicles for pick-up and store goods in licensed dangerous goods warehouses to accommodate potential further inspections.
💰 The "Cost Equation" Behind Compliance: Significant Cost Increases
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Soaring Logistics Costs: Dangerous goods sea freight rates are 30%-100% higher than general cargo, plus additional fees like dangerous goods handling charges and dedicated storage fees.
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Leap in Packaging Costs: Compliant dangerous goods packaging costs are 5-10 times that of ordinary woven bags.
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Time & Risk Costs: More complex processes prolong port dwell time, increasing demurrage/detention risks. Failed inspections may lead to costly rectification or return shipments.
💎 Conclusion
The reclassification of coconut shell charcoal as dangerous goods epitomizes the tightening trend in international trade regulations. For businesses, this necessitates a systematic restructuring of the entire supply chain—from qualifications and supplier management to logistics coordination. Proactive planning and deep compliance are no longer just a cost burden but a core competency for ensuring supply chain stability and security. In the wave of regulatory change, those who adapt proactively will navigate steadily forward.
