What is IMDG Code Amendment 42-24?
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is the global standard for the safe transport of dangerous goods by sea. Amendment 42-24, which became mandatory on January 1, 2026, is the latest revision — and it has fundamentally changed how charcoal, including coconut shell charcoal, must be handled during international shipping.
For charcoal importers, this is not just a regulatory update. It directly affects your costs, timelines, supplier selection, and risk management. This article explains what changed, why it matters, and how to adapt your import strategy accordingly.
1. The biggest change: No more exemptions
Before 2026
Prior to this amendment, exporters could use the UN N.4 self-heating test to prove that their charcoal was stable enough to be shipped as general cargo. If the charcoal passed this test, it could avoid the Dangerous Goods (DG) classification entirely, saving significant costs and paperwork.
After 2026 (Amendment 42-24)
This exemption has been completely removed. Under Amendment 42-24, all charcoal — regardless of test results — must now be declared as:
- UN Number: 1361
- Proper Shipping Name: CARBON, animal or vegetable origin
- Hazard Class: 4.2 (Substances liable to spontaneous combustion)
- Packing Group: II or III
This means every single charcoal shipment worldwide is now classified as Dangerous Goods. There are no exceptions.
2. Special Provision 978 (SP 978) — The new rules
The amendment introduces Special Provision 978, which sets mandatory pre-shipment treatment requirements. Your supplier must follow one of two approved processes:
Option A: Weathering (most common)
- After production, unpacked charcoal must be stored under cover but in open air for at least 14 days
- This allows residual gases to dissipate and the product to stabilize
- Temperature must not exceed 40°C on the day of packing
Option B: Inert gas processing
- After pyrolysis, the charcoal is treated with steam and cooling
- Then packed under an inert gas atmosphere (typically nitrogen)
- Followed by at least 24 hours of storage under loose cover or in open air
As an importer, you should always request documented proof that your supplier has completed one of these processes. This documentation is now mandatory for every shipment.
3. New container loading requirements
Amendment 42-24 also introduced strict rules for how charcoal must be loaded inside shipping containers:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Headspace | Minimum 30 cm from the top of the container |
| Maximum stacking height | 1.5 meters per stack |
| Maximum block size | 16 m³, with 15 cm gaps between blocks |
| Bulk transport | Not permitted in containers without packaging |
| Packaging | UN-certified only (Packing Instruction P002) |
These requirements ensure adequate airflow inside the container to prevent heat buildup during transit. Non-compliant loading is one of the top reasons for container rejections at ports.
4. Documentation you must verify from your supplier
The DG Declaration for charcoal under Amendment 42-24 must now include three critical data points that were not previously required:
- Date of production — when the charcoal was manufactured
- Date of packing — when it was packed into packages (must be at least 14 days after production if weathered)
- Temperature on the day of packing — must be ≤40°C, with documented evidence
In addition to the DG Declaration, ensure your supplier provides:
- Weathering Certificate (or Inert Gas Processing Certificate)
- MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) updated for UN 1361 Class 4.2
- UN packaging certification
- Commercial Invoice and Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
- Bill of Lading with correct DG markings
5. How this impacts your import costs
As an importer, you should budget for these additional costs introduced by the DG classification:
- DG Surcharge: $200–$800 per container, depending on the shipping route
- Special stowage fees: DG containers require designated areas on the vessel
- Extended lead times: The 14-day weathering period adds time to production cycles
- Documentation fees: Lab testing, DG declarations, and additional certifications
- Port inspection fees: Some destination ports require mandatory DG inspections
While these costs increase the total landed price, they also filter out low-quality suppliers. Compliant charcoal is inherently more stable and safer, which reduces your risk of cargo damage, insurance claims, and port rejections.
6. Common compliance failures to watch for
Based on enforcement data from the first months of 2026, these are the most common reasons charcoal shipments are rejected:
- Missing or fake Weathering Certificate: Some suppliers issue certificates without actually completing the 14-day process
- Temperature exceeds 40°C: Charcoal packed too soon after production
- Non-UN packaging: Regular polypropylene bags are no longer accepted
- Incorrect DG Declaration: Missing production date, packing date, or temperature data
- Outdated MSDS: Documents that reference old exemptions or incorrect classifications
- Improper container loading: No headspace, stacking too high, or no gaps between blocks
7. How to protect yourself as an importer
Here are practical steps to ensure your charcoal imports comply with Amendment 42-24:
- Audit your supplier: Visit or request video documentation of their weathering facility and packing process
- Verify documentation before shipping: Request all DG documents before the container is loaded, not after
- Work with DG-certified freight forwarders: Not all forwarders have Class 4.2 handling experience
- Check destination country rules: The EU, Japan, South Korea, and some Southeast Asian countries have additional requirements beyond the IMDG Code
- Choose suppliers who pre-comply: Partners like CocoVnex build compliance into their production process, so you receive ready-to-ship, fully documented cargo
How CocoVnex ensures Amendment 42-24 compliance
At CocoVnex, we adapted our entire production and logistics workflow before the regulation took effect. Every shipment from our Ben Tre facility includes:
- Full 14-day weathering with photographic and temperature documentation
- UN-certified packaging for all product lines
- Complete DG documentation set prepared before container loading
- Partnership with DG-specialized freight forwarders
Our goal is simple: when your charcoal arrives at your port, there are zero compliance issues. Contact our export team to discuss your next shipment.
