How to export Charcoal from Vietnam

How to Export Charcoal from Vietnam (Full Guide for 2025)

1. Why Export Charcoal from Vietnam?

Vietnam is one of the leading producers of charcoal in Asia, especially sawdust briquette charcoal, BBQ charcoal, mangrove charcoal, and bamboo charcoal.
Vietnamese charcoal is popular because of:

• High calorific value (≥ 7,000 kcal)
• Low ash and low moisture
• Long burning time
• Competitive export prices
• Stable production capacity

Countries importing charcoal include: Korea, Japan, Middle East, EU, USA, Australia, and South America.

2. HS Codes for Charcoal Export

Type of Charcoal	HS Code	Description
Sawdust briquette charcoal	4402.90.00	Wood charcoal, including briquettes
Mangrove charcoal	4402.10	Wood charcoal of mangrove origin
Bamboo charcoal	3802.10	Activated carbon from bamboo
Coconut shell charcoal	4402.90	Coconut shell briquette charcoal

Most exporters use HS Code 4402.90.00 for sawdust briquette charcoal.

3. Required Documents for Exporting Charcoal

To export charcoal from Vietnam, you need the following documents:

Mandatory Documents

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Sales Contract
• Certificate of Origin (Form B or EUR.1 depending on customer)
• Bill of Lading (B/L)
• Phytosanitary Certificate (sometimes not required, depending on country)

Optional (But Recommended)

• Product quality test report
• MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
• Fumigation certificate (for some countries)

4. Charcoal Export Procedure from Vietnam

Step 1 – Negotiate with Buyer

Discuss:

• Type of charcoal (sawdust, BBQ, mangrove, shisha…)
• Quality specs
• Price (FOB or CIF)
• Delivery time
• Packaging

Step 2 – Produce and Pack Goods

Ensure:

• Moisture < 8%
• Ash < 4%
• Fixed carbon > 80%

Packaging options:

• Carton box (5kg, 10kg, 20kg)
• PP bag (20–50kg)
• Jumbo bag (500–800kg)

Step 3 – Book Container & Truck

Common container size:

• 20HQ (19–21 tons)
• 40HQ (25–27 tons)

Step 4 – Customs Declaration in Vietnam

Use:

• VNACCS/VCIS customs system
• Export declaration with HS 4402

Step 5 – Customs Inspection

Customs may check:

• Weight
• Shipment quantity
• Product classification

Step 6 – Get Bill of Lading & Complete Export

After cargo is loaded:

• Shipping line releases Bill of Lading
• Submit documents to the buyer
• Receive payment (TT, LC, DP)

5. Quality Requirements for International Markets

Different markets require different standards:

Japan

• High fixed carbon, low ash
• Uniform shape briquettes
• No smell, no smoke

Korea

• High heat value
• Clean surface, low moisture

Middle East

• Long burning time
• Often prefers hexagon or pillow-type briquettes

Australia & EU

• Eco-friendly packaging
• Stable moisture and ash levels

6. Common Types of Charcoal Exported from Vietnam

1. Sawdust Briquette Charcoal (Hexagon or Square)

• Main export type
• Long burning
• No smoke, no spark
• Perfect for BBQ, grilling, shisha

2. BBQ Lump Charcoal

• Made from hardwood
• Strong heat, fast ignition

3. Bamboo Charcoal

• Used for BBQ or filtration

4. Coconut Shell Charcoal

• Used for shisha and industrial burning

7. Charcoal Export Price from Vietnam (2025 Reference)

Prices change depending on season & demand.

8. Best Practices for Successful Charcoal Export

✔ Choose a reliable charcoal factory

Look for:

• Clear production scale
• Moisture control
• Stable supply
• Experience in export documentation

✔ Use strong packaging

• Double-layer carton
• Waterproof bags
• Heat-resistant printing ink

✔ Maintain stable moisture

Moisture > 10% can cause:

• Mold
• Container sweating
• Weight loss

✔ Inspect every shipment

Check:

• Shape
• Length
• Moisture
• Ash
• Density

You might want to study more about: The Impact of Moisture Content on Charcoal Quality for Export

9. Conclusion

Exporting charcoal from Vietnam is a profitable and stable business, especially with global demand increasing.
To export successfully, focus on:

• Quality control
• Correct documents
• Reliable shipping
• Strong packaging
• Professional communication with buyers

Vietnam’s charcoal industry is growing quickly, and exporters who maintain high standards will gain long-term customers.