Technical resources for buyers
Everything the procurement, quality and compliance teams need — specs, MSDS, certifications, HS codes. Available per lot on request.
How to read a charcoal spec sheet
A complete charcoal specification covers four core proximate-analysis values: fixed carbon % (the carbon mass that combusts as glowing char), volatile matter % (light hydrocarbons that burn off as flame and smoke), ash % (the non-combustible mineral residue), and moisture %. The values must sum to roughly 100%. For premium cooking grades the targets are: fixed carbon > 80%, ash < 3%, moisture < 6%. For activated carbon the dominant spec switches to surface area: BET m²/g (typically 600–1200) and iodine number mg/g (typically 800–1100), measured per ASTM D4607.
Calorific value (kcal/kg or MJ/kg) measures the heat released per unit mass — premium hardwood, bamboo, and coconut shell charcoals all sit in the 7,200–7,600 kcal/kg range. Lower values usually indicate excessive moisture or high mineral ash. Burn time is application-dependent and influenced by piece geometry: hardwood lumps in a closed grill sustain 3–4 hours; coconut hexagons in a hookah head sustain 60–90 minutes.
For industrial reduction (foundry, smelting), the key specs are fixed carbon > 75% and sulphur < 0.05% (high sulphur contaminates the metallic charge). For activated carbon used in water filtration, look for BET surface area and a hardness number > 95% (mechanical resistance against attrition in flow-through filters). For cosmetic powder, the qualifying specs are particle size (typically 200-mesh / < 75 μm), heavy-metal screen results (Pb, As, Cd, Hg below pharmacopoeia limits), and FSSAI certification.
Always insist on a per-lot Certificate of Analysis, not just an annual specification document. Charcoal lots vary depending on feedstock and kiln conditions, and a generic spec sheet is at best a typical-value indication. Reputable suppliers test every lot and ship the COA in the packing — at WoodCharcoal.in we test in-house and additionally provide third-party SGS or Bureau Veritas reports on request for export and pharma-grade lots.
Resources — frequently asked questions
Common questions from procurement, quality, and compliance teams. Click any to expand.
What documents do you provide with each order?
Every order ships with a tax-compliant invoice (CGST+SGST or IGST split per the customer state). Bulk orders (≥50 kg) include a Certificate of Analysis (COA) per lot stating fixed carbon %, moisture %, ash %, calorific value, and species composition. Export shipments additionally carry MSDS, fumigation certificate (where required), Halal/Kosher certificates (on request), and origin declaration.
Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?
Yes. We supply 1–2 kg samples by courier for ₹500 (refunded against the first paid bulk order ≥50 kg). Sample packs include the same COA you'd receive on the production lot, so you can validate fixed-carbon, ash, and burn-time specs before committing to a full container.
What HSN codes apply to your products under GST 2.0?
Standard charcoal — wood, bamboo, coconut shell — falls under HSN 4402 at GST 5%. Activated carbon (wood, bamboo, or coconut shell origin) falls under HSN 3802 at GST 18%. Cosmetic-grade charcoal powder used in personal-care formulations is invoiced under HSN 4402 unless explicitly classified as activated.
Are your products food-grade and FSSAI compliant?
Cooking-grade wood, bamboo, and coconut shell charcoal contain no chemical accelerants, no petroleum binders, and use only food-grade natural starch as a binder for briquettes. They are FSSAI-aligned for food contact (BBQ, tandoor, sigri, restaurant grills). Cosmetic-grade powders intended for oral or food use carry FSSAI certification and a per-lot heavy-metal test report.
Do you provide third-party SGS / Bureau Veritas testing?
Yes — third-party testing reports from SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek, or TÜV are available on request for export-grade and pharma-grade orders. Standard tests include proximate analysis (fixed carbon, ash, volatile, moisture), calorific value, BET surface area (for activated carbon), iodine number, and heavy-metal screening (Pb, As, Cd, Hg).
How long are MSDS documents and certifications valid?
MSDS documents are reviewed annually and reissued whenever production processes change. Certifications (FSSAI, ISO 9001, Halal, Kosher) are renewed on the issuing body's cycle — typically 1 year for FSSAI and Halal, 3 years for ISO 9001. Always request the latest dated copy when placing new orders; we do not ship with stale documentation.
Can I get product specs in custom formats for my QMS?
Yes. We can supply specifications in CSV, JSON, or XML for integration with Quality Management Systems, ERP / SAP imports, or supplier-portal uploads. Contact sales with your template; turnaround is typically 24–48 hours.
Do you support REACH, RoHS, or California Prop 65 compliance?
Yes for export shipments to the EU (REACH), electronics-adjacent applications (RoHS for activated carbon used in electronic-grade filtration), and the US (California Prop 65). Compliance documentation is generated per shipment with the appropriate test scope. Reach out to sales with the destination market and end-use to scope the right document set.