As you know, shisha charcoal is classified as Dangerous Goods (DG 4.2 // UN 1361) and not all shipping lines (only a few shipping lines accept it) accept it for shipment. Below is the list of shipping lines and NVOCCs that accept hookah coals for shipping from Indonesia:
MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Corporation, one of the largest shipping lines in the world. It accepts shisha charcoal for shipping to most of destinations, but requires direct booking from the factory (meaning, no forward agent is accepted, only registered charcoal factory can book containers), Factory audit, Thermal Blanket, Vanning.
Maersk – another big shipping line, that was famouse with it BBQ only charcoal acceptance, but starting from October 2025, it accept also shisha charcoal. But it requires a lot of additional procedures, for example, Factory Audit (but different from the MSC Factory audit), so yes, all factories need to have at least two (!) factory audits, one for MSC and another for Maersk.
Maersk — New IMDG Rules for Shipping Charcoal (effective 1 Oct 2025)
From 1 October 2025, Maersk will only accept dangerous goods (DG) charcoal shipments from pre-audited shippers. Meaning that your charcoal factory should be Factory Audited and approved by Maersk.
Charcoal must be declared as UN1361 / Class 4.2 (CARBON, animal or vegetable origin).
Key packing, documentation and CTU requirements under IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 must be met.
- What is not accepted: non-DG bookings; wet/instant/BBQ charcoal; reefers; shipments from Vietnam/China intended for shisha/hookah; or when carrier/feeder policy forbids.
- Declaration: UN1361 / 4.2 — Proper Shipping Name: CARBON, animal or vegetable origin.
- Packing: Only UN-approved boxes, bags, drums, IBC per P002. No 4H1, 5H1, 5H2, 5L1, 5L2, 5M1. Every container must be vacuum-packed with a thermal blanket
- Documents (required):
- Before container release: Preliminary Dangerous Goods Declaration + MSDS (from factory).
- Before gate-in: Final Dangerous Goods Declaration (with correct UN packing code), Weathering Certificate, Vanning Certificate (Maersk-nominated surveyor: Carsurin), and MSDS.
- Weathering: Material must be weathered (stored under cover, open air) ≥14 days before packing. If <14 days, obtain competent authority approval and explain the reason.
- Temperature: Material temperature at packing must not exceed 40 °C. Cargo temp must not exceed ambient by >5 °C inside the container.
- Vanning / Photos: Vanning report must include dated photos (container stuffing, thermal blanket vacuumed, door shut with container number and seal), cargo and ambient temps, packaging details, booking & container numbers, seal numbers.
- Container stowage rules: Maintain 30 cm headspace; stowage height ≤1.5 m OR block size ≤16 m³ with ≥15 cm between blocks. Here is a big issue, as in 20″ft container we are very limited by the space, so haveing this gaps will take out about 1 ton of charcoal from your container. So instead of 18-20 tons, you will load only 17-19 tons.
CMA CGM – another big shipping line that started accepting shisha charcoal for delivery. Same as MSC or Maersk, it requires an additional Factory Audit (already the third one) and a big list of documents (The Specific Shipment Guidelines for Charcoal Indonesia.pdf) before arranging the shipment.
Shipping Rules — CMA CGM: Charcoal from Indonesia
Short rules for shippers and exporters. Use this as a checklist when you prepare cargo, documents, and the vanning survey.
1. Who may ship
- Only shippers approved by CMA CGM Indonesia may book our factory is approved
- Declare the charcoal as dangerous goods.
2. Weathering (cooling) before packing
- Do not pack earlier than 14 days after pyrolysis ends.
- Weather the charcoal in open air but under cover.
- Cool the charcoal evenly.
- Prepare a Weathering Report with: production date, packaging date, packaging type, mean cargo temperature at packaging (°C), and ambient temperature at packaging (°C).
3. Packaging rules
- No bulk shipments. Only packaged goods are allowed.
- Cargo temperature at packaging must be ≤ ambient + 5°C and must not exceed 50°C.
- Use sound, undamaged packaging. Check bags and boxes for defects.
- Thermal-camera checks on full packages are recommended.
4. Packing into container (CTU)
- Start container stuffing only after the 14-day weathering period.
- Follow the CTU Code guidelines for packing and securing cargo.
- Keep at least 30 cm headspace between cargo and container roof.
- Thermal blankets may be used to limit oxygen in packages (recommended).
- Ensure bottom packages are not crushed or split.
5. Vanning survey and documentation
- A vanning survey must confirm correct packing and a valid Weathering Report.
- Measure cargo temperature at several external container points. Temperatures must meet limits.
- Container interior must be clean, odourless, and show no smoke or fumes.
- Provide a photo story of stuffing with temperature readings. Take photos at roughly 1/3, 2/3, and just before door close. Include container ID in photos.
6. Container stowage and segregation
- Follow IMDG stowage rules: SW1 (protect from heat) and H2 (keep as cool as possible).
- Containers with charcoal must be stowed on deck and be accessible.
- Protect the container from direct sunlight.
7. Tests and exceptions
- Special provisions (e.g., IMDG SP 223 / 925) and self-heating test results may allow exceptions if you have accredited lab certificates.
- Follow the carrier guidance for allowed exceptions and required lab reports.
Those are the big 3 shipping line companies that mostly serve and use for shipment to the USA, Canada, Europe, the UK, and Australia.
So, basically, it is good news, more shipping line accept shisha charcoal, but on the other hand, it carried as DG goods, meaning we have to pay more for shipping and container handling and you also have to pay more at your arrival port.
Other shipping lines that accept shisha charcoal
Vasi shipping line, Asyad shipping lines, RTL shipping lines, and Emirates shipping lines are smaller shipping lines or even NVOCCs that also accept charcoal.
What shipping line to choose for shipping shisha charcoal?
In my opinon it depend pure on the price vs schedule. Very often, big shipping lines (MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM) offer cheaper rates, faster delivery, and more regular departures. For example, MSC departure is every Tuesday from the port of Semarang.
But on the other hand, small shipping lines like to give lower prices and often do not require Vanning, Thermal blanket – so the total shipping is much cheaper. But delivery time can be longer.
Again, the shipping price for shisha charcoal is changing twice per month, and we need to keep an eye on it every time to choose the best options.
For my clients, I usually give several options for shipping, for example: MSC cost thats and, Ashyad cost that’s, long delivery time, so my client can choose the best option available.
Table 1: Comparison table for shipping lines that accept shisha charcoal
| Shipping line / NVOCC | Accepts? | Who may book / Shipper rules | Factory audit | Weathering | Packaging rules | Container prep (thermal blanket / vanning / stowage) | Documents required | Key restrictions / notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Co.) | Yes | Direct booking from factory only. No forwarder bookings. | Yes | Weathering recommended (follow carrier rules) | Packaged goods only | Thermal blanket and vanning required | DG declaration, MSDS, vanning report, photos | Wide destination coverage; strict factory approval and vanning |
| Maersk (effective 1 Oct 2025) | Yes (from 01-Oct-2025) | Only pre-audited Maersk-approved shippers may book | Yes — Maersk audit (separate from MSC) | ≥14 days open-air under cover or competent authority approval if <14 days | Declare UN1361 / Class 4.2. Only UN-approved boxes/bags/drums/IBC per P002. No 4H1,5H1,5H2,5L1,5L2,5M1 | Vacuum-packed + thermal blanket. Vanning report (Carsurin). 30 cm headspace; stow ≤1.5 m or blocks ≤16 m³ with gaps | Before release: Preliminary DG Declaration + MSDS. Before gate-in: Final DG Declaration, Weathering Cert, Vanning Cert, MSDS, vanning photos, temp records | IMDG Amendment 42-24 compliance. Cargo temp ≤40°C and ≤ ambient +5°C. No reefers, no wet/BBQ charcoal. VN/CN shisha shipments not accepted |
| CMA CGM | Yes | Only shippers approved by CMA CGM Indonesia may book | Yes (carrier audit / approval) | Do not pack earlier than 14 days after pyrolysis; weather in open air under cover | No bulk. Packaged only. Cargo temp ≤ ambient +5°C and ≤50°C. Thermal-camera checks recommended | Follow CTU Code. 30 cm headspace. Thermal blankets optional. Vanning survey with photo story. Clean, odourless container. Stow on deck, protect from sun | Weathering Report, Vanning Survey, Photos with temp readings, MSDS, booking info | IMDG stowage: SW1 & H2. Carrier may request lab tests or self-heating certificates |
| Vasi (smaller line / NVOCC) | Yes | Varies by operator; often allow forwarders | May be required case-by-case | Usually recommended (carrier dependent) | Packaged goods preferred; some allow simpler packing | May not require thermal blanket or vanning (depends) | DG declaration and MSDS usually required | Often cheaper. Schedules less regular. Confirm rules with carrier |
| Asyad (smaller line / NVOCC) | Yes | Varies; check carrier approval | May be required case-by-case | Recommended | Packaged goods preferred | Vanning / thermal blanket may not be mandatory | DG declaration and MSDS usually required | Lower cost options possible; longer transit time |
| RTL (smaller line / NVOCC) | Yes | Varies by service | May be required case-by-case | Recommended | Packaged preferred | Vanning / thermal blanket sometimes not required | DG declaration and MSDS usually required | Cheaper but slower; confirm requirements early |
| Emirates (smaller line) | Yes | Varies by service and route | May be required case-by-case | Recommended | Packaged goods preferred | May accept without thermal blanket / vanning on some routes | DG declaration and MSDS usually required | Terms vary by route and feeder policy |
| Other NVOCCs / small carriers | Some accept | Depends on carrier approval and booking party | Varies | Varies | Usually packaged only | Varies — many small carriers are less strict | DG declaration and MSDS usually required | Often lower price, longer transit; confirm per booking |
MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Co.) — Yes
Maersk (effective 1 Oct 2025) — Yes (from 01-Oct-2025)
CMA CGM — Yes
Vasi (smaller line / NVOCC) — Yes
Asyad (smaller line / NVOCC) — Yes
RTL (smaller line / NVOCC) — Yes
Emirates (smaller line) — Yes
Other NVOCCs / small carriers — Some accept
Table 2: Shipping lines that are not accepting shisha charcoal (as per 2026)
| Carrier | Status | Short reason / what they block |
|---|---|---|
| Wan Hai Lines | Prohibited / restricted | Carrier lists Class 4.2 (charcoal/UN1361) as prohibited in many cases; non-DG charcoal explicitly prohibited in carrier DG list. |
| Evergreen Line | Prohibited / restricted | Prohibited list includes charcoal and carbon-related products (non-DG/charcoal blocked). |
| HMM (Hyundai Merchant Marine) | Prohibited / restricted | Prohibited & restricted list shows wooden/coconut/bamboo charcoal and non-DG charcoal are not accepted without special approval. |
| OOCL (Orient Overseas) | Prohibited / restricted | Operational restrictions and local notices list charcoal/carbon products among prohibited commodities in many trades. |
| SML (SM Line) | Prohibited / restricted | Carrier DG lists show ‘CARBON animal or vegetable origin’ as prohibited irrespective of DG/non-DG status. |
| Hapag-Lloyd | Restricted — non-DG refused | Requires full DG declaration; will no longer accept non-DG charcoal (only compliant DG shipments allowed under strict rules). |
| Yang Ming | Restricted / conditional | Acceptance limited and conditional (strict packaging, weathering and only on YM-operated vessels per PR list). |
| Maersk (advisory) | Restricted — shisha often not accepted | Advisory lists circumstances they DO NOT accept charcoal for shisha/hookah unless strict pre-approval and audit are met. |
| ZIM | Restricted / conditional | Guidance restricts bulk charcoal and requires special container types or strict conditions — non-compliant shipments refused. |
| COSCO / COSCO SHIPPING | Restricted / case-by-case | Communications emphasise safe handling of carbon goods and tighter controls — expect case-by-case refusals. |
| ONE (Ocean Network Express) | Restricted / check DG rules | DG house rules require strict compliance; charcoal shipments are tightly controlled and may be refused if not fully compliant. |
| NYK Line | Restricted / carrier liability | T&Cs emphasize refusal of goods that are or may be dangerous — charcoal commonly falls into that category unless fully compliant. |
| K Line (Kawasaki Kisen) | Restricted / DG procedure | Centralized DG declaration process; will restrict charcoal shipments that do not meet DG/packaging/weathering rules. |
| MOL (Mitsui O.S.K. Lines) | Restricted / prohibited items lists | Guidance and risk alerts list charcoal among items that require special handling or may be controlled/prohibited depending on the trade. |
| PIL (Pacific International Lines) | Restricted / check approval | Booking/terms require lawful safe goods; IMDG/charcoal restrictions in industry guidance affect acceptance — check approval. |
This table lists carriers that commonly refuse or prohibit charcoal/shisha shipments based on public DG/prohibited lists and industry guidance. Always confirm with our charcoal expert, Greg Ryabtsev, and get written approval before booking.
What is the difference between a shipping line and an NVOCC, and what to choose for charcoal delivery
For exporters moving shisha charcoal classified under UN1361, the primary logistical decision lies between contracting a Vessel Operating Common Carrier (shipping line) or a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC). While direct shipping contracts offer asset control, NVOCCs aggregate volume to navigate the complex landscape of shipping lines that accept shisha charcoal and shipping lines that not accept shisha charcoal.
The Vessel Operating Common Carrier (The Shipping Line)
These guys own the boats. The VOCC. They issue the Master Bill of Lading (MBL), and because it’s their metal floating out there, they are paranoid. And rightly so, I guess. When it comes to DG 4.2—that’s Spontaneously Combustible stuff—their policies are… rigid. Binary, really.
- Control freak: You are dealing directly with the asset owner. No middlemen.
- The Wall: If a specific vessel captain or a transshipment hub manager decides they hate UN1361 today, your booking is dead. Just rejected. No “let’s talk about it.”
- Paperwork hell: You better have your Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and self-heating certifications pristine. They check everything.
The Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC)
The NVOCC is a shapeshifter. “Shipper to the carrier, carrier to the shipper”. They don’t own the vessels; they lease space. They issue you a House Bill of Lading (HBL). Think of them as a buffer layer.
- Agnosticism: They hold contracts with multiple lines. If Maersk says no, they pivot to CMA. You don’t have to restart the whole booking nightmare.
- Volume play: They aggregate volume. This gets them slots on ships that wouldn’t even look at a small direct account.
- The Filter: They vet your DG 4.2 documents before the Master Carrier ever sees them. Saves you the embarrassment of a rookie mistake.
Who Do You Choose?
It depends on your risk appetite. And your wallet.
Go Direct (Shipping Line) If…
- You’re huge: If you aren’t moving 50+ TEUs a month, don’t bother. You need volume to get Tier 1 rates and guaranteed slots.
- The route is boring: Direct port-to-port. Simple. If you have complex transshipments, your hazardous cargo is going to get stuck at some intermediate hub. I’ve seen it happen.
- You have a badge: Large manufacturers with a proven safety track record sometimes get a pass on the vetting hurdles. Verified shippers.
Go NVOCC If…
- The world is on fire: When alliances start banning charcoal because of some random fire, NVOCCs have options. They can route you through a different alliance.
- You’re small: Direct lines rarely touch, Less than Container Load (LCL) for Class 4.2. They just won’t do it. You need an NVOCC to consolidate.
- You don’t know what you’re doing: If you don’t know the specific Vanning Certificate requirements for a port, get an NVOCC. They provide the oversight you lack.
- List of shipping lines that accept shisha charcoal for delivery - February 12, 2026
- Ocean Freight Shipping & Logistics Price for Shisha Charcoal in December 2025 - December 1, 2025
- Ocean Freight Shipping & Logistics Price for Shisha Charcoal in November 2025 - November 1, 2025
