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Grades and specs
Coconut charcoal grades from Vietnam: shisha cube, hexagonal and BBQ briquette
All three grades start from the same raw material: carbonised coconut shell from the Mekong Delta. They differ in particle size, binder ratio, pressing density, drying and the shape the press gives them. This page lists the typical targets buyers send, how each value is tested and how to choose.
Typical targets by grade
Grade A: premium shisha
Shisha cube charcoal
25 mm or 26 mm cubes for hookah lounges and shisha brands. Long, slow burn with minimal ash. The main export grade for Vietnam coconut charcoal.
- Fixed carbon72 to 76%
- Ash contentmax 2.5%
- Moisturemax 5%
- Burn time60 to 90 min
- MOQ1 x 20ft (18 to 20 t)
Grade B: hexa
Hexagonal shisha charcoal
Hexagonal pressed coconut charcoal for premium hookah lounges and gift packaging. Higher density and a distinctive shape, often sold under the buyer brand.
- Fixed carbon74 to 78%
- Ash contentmax 2.0%
- Density1.05 to 1.15 g/cm³
- Burn time80 to 110 min
- MOQ1 x 20ft container
Grade C: BBQ
Coconut charcoal briquette
Pillow or cylindrical briquettes for grilling export. Larger volumes, lower ash than lump wood charcoal and little smoke. Retail bags or bulk to fuel distributors.
- Fixed carbon68 to 72%
- Ash contentmax 4%
- Burn time2.5 to 4 hours
- Packaging2 / 5 / 10 kg bag
- MOQ25 to 27 t (1 x 20ft)
How to choose a grade
| Your business | Usual grade | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Hookah lounge, high volume | Shisha cube 25 or 26 mm | Burn time, low ash, no smell, consistent size |
| Shisha brand, retail boxes | Cube or hexagonal, private label | Box print, carton strength, low breakage in transit |
| Premium lounge or gift line | Hexagonal shisha | Density, shape accuracy, ash below 2% |
| BBQ trader or retailer | Pillow or cylindrical briquette | Burn duration, price per ton, bag quality |
| Activated carbon plant | Raw shell charcoal | Fixed carbon, moisture, particle size |
What each value means
Fixed carbon
The share of the charcoal that is carbon after moisture, volatile matter and ash are removed. Higher fixed carbon means more heat and a steadier burn. It falls when carbonisation is rushed or when a factory stretches expensive shell with cheaper filler.
Ash content
What is left after complete burning. For shisha it is the number smokers notice first, because ash falls on the foil and affects taste. Sand or soil picked up with the shell, and too much binder, both push ash up.
Moisture
Water left after drying. High moisture makes cubes hard to light, lowers burn time and can cause mould in the container. It is measured at the factory and again by the inspector, because charcoal absorbs humidity during storage.
Burn time
Not a lab standard in the way ash and fixed carbon are. Agree the test method with the factory: one cube on a standard bowl, or a set weight of briquettes in a kettle grill, timed from full ignition.
Test methods used on lab certificates
Pre-shipment labs report proximate analysis. Many certificates cite coal and coke methods; some labs use ASTM D1762, the chemical analysis method written for wood charcoal. Agree the method in the contract so two labs are comparing the same thing.
| Parameter | Method | Typical target |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed carbon | ASTM D3172 | min 72% |
| Ash content | ASTM D3174 | max 2.5% |
| Moisture | ASTM D3173 | max 5% |
| Sulfur | ASTM D4239 | max 0.05% |
Packaging options
- Shisha: 1 kg retail box (inner flow-pack or bag), 10 kg or 20 kg master carton, bulk carton for repackers, private label print.
- BBQ: 2, 5 and 10 kg retail bags, bulk jumbo bags for distributors.
- Raw shell charcoal: jumbo bags or PP bags.
Packaging changes both the price and how many tons fit in a container. Tell factories the exact format in the RFQ so quotes are comparable.
Grade FAQ
Which grade should a hookah brand start with?
Most hookah brands start with the 25 mm or 26 mm natural cube because it is the format lounges already know. Hexagonal or flat shapes are a second step once you have a stable supplier and want a distinct product on the shelf.
Are the numbers on this page guaranteed?
No. They are typical targets that buyers send in RFQs. Each factory quotes its own values, and the only numbers that count are the ones in your contract and on the lab certificate for your container.
Can I get quick-lighting charcoal from coconut shell?
Quick-light tablets usually contain an oxidiser and are a different product from natural coconut cubes. Ask for it explicitly in your RFQ. Most Mekong Delta coconut factories focus on natural shisha cubes and BBQ briquettes.
What is raw coconut shell charcoal used for?
Uncrushed carbonised shell is the feedstock for activated carbon plants and for factories that make briquettes elsewhere. Some Vietnamese factories sell it on request. Specify particle size, fixed carbon and moisture.
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