A product specification should describe the charcoal that the buyer expects to receive and the acceptance method that will be used. Marketing labels such as “premium” or “export quality” are not enough without measurable parameters.
PT Dharma Artha Nusantara coordinates requirements with Indonesian production partners. The published values below come from the current production-partner catalogue. Final grade, dimensions and acceptance criteria are agreed for each order.
Start with the intended application
The first decision is whether the product is intended for shisha, BBQ or another agreed application. The required grade, shape, size and evaluation method should follow that use.
PT DAN currently presents three catalogue grades:
- Shisha Premium;
- Shisha Medium;
- BBQ Basic.
These are distinct product references. A buyer should not combine selected values from different grades into one assumed specification.
Published specification comparison
| Parameter | Shisha Premium | Shisha Medium | BBQ Basic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw material | 100% premium coconut shell charcoal | 90% coconut shell charcoal + 10% coconut shell charcoal granules | Hardwood charcoal mixed with coconut charcoal granules |
| Moisture | Max. 8% | Max. 8% | Max. 8% |
| Ash content | 1.8–2.5% | 2.5–3.0% | 8–15% |
| Fixed carbon | Min. 75% | Min. 72% | Min. 70% |
| Volatile matter | 13–15% | 15–18% | 13–15% |
| Calorific value | >7,300 kcal/kg | >7,000 kcal/kg | >6,500 kcal/kg |
| Maximum burning temperature | Approximately 550°C | Approximately 550°C | Approximately 550°C |
| Density | 1,200–1,300 kg/m³ | 1,200–1,300 kg/m³ | 1,200–1,300 kg/m³ |
| Sparks | No | No | No |
Catalogue values are a starting point for discussion. A quotation and purchase specification should identify the applicable grade and the evidence or test method required.
Moisture
Moisture is commonly reported as a percentage. The specification should state the maximum limit and, where material to acceptance, the test method and sampling conditions.
Packaging and storage can affect moisture exposure. Importers should connect the moisture requirement to the agreed inner bag, carton, container condition and handling plan.
Ash content
Ash content is the non-combustible residue measured under a defined test method. Buyers should compare results only when the reporting basis and method are compatible.
Ash percentage alone does not describe ash color, structure or user experience. If those characteristics matter, define a separate sample evaluation rather than assuming they follow automatically from one laboratory number.
Fixed carbon and volatile matter
Fixed carbon and volatile matter are commonly reviewed together with moisture and ash. They should be read as part of the same analysis and not as isolated marketing claims.
When reviewing a COA or laboratory report, check:
- the sample or batch identification;
- report date;
- test method;
- units and reporting basis;
- laboratory identity;
- whether the result applies to the commercial order.
Calorific value
Calorific value indicates energy per unit mass under a defined test. PT DAN’s catalogue expresses this parameter in kcal/kg.
Importers should avoid translating calorific value directly into a promised consumer burn duration. Actual use depends on size, airflow, ignition, equipment and test conditions. If burn behaviour is commercially important, agree a repeatable application test in addition to the laboratory parameter.
Density, shape and dimensions
Density and dimensions affect piece weight, packing and application fit. PT DAN’s shape catalogue includes cube, flat cube, finger cylinder, dome finger, finger hexagon and barbecue hexagon references.
Published cube references include:
- 22 × 22 × 22 mm, approximately 96 pieces/kg;
- 25 × 25 × 25 mm, approximately 72 pieces/kg;
- 26 × 26 × 26 mm, approximately 64 pieces/kg;
- 28 × 28 × 28 mm, approximately 50 pieces/kg.
These values are approximate references. The final order should confirm availability, dimensions, tolerances and piece-weight expectations.
Define the acceptance process
A useful specification also explains how conformity will be reviewed. Depending on the agreed scope, the documentation may include:
- product specification;
- relevant Certificate of Analysis;
- laboratory report;
- third-party inspection;
- production or loading records.
Availability depends on the selected product, order scope and production partner. Testing method, timing and cost should be agreed before the order.
Prevent specification drift
Specification drift occurs when the quotation, sample, packaging artwork, laboratory evidence and purchase order describe different products.
Before confirmation, reconcile:
- grade and raw material;
- shape and dimensions;
- parameter limits;
- sample identification;
- packaging configuration;
- document requirements;
- inspection and acceptance points;
- delivery term and shipment plan.
Use version-controlled documents and record every approved revision in writing.
Questions importers should ask
- Which published grade is being quoted?
- Which parameters are guaranteed in the written order?
- Which test methods and units will be used?
- Is the COA relevant to the order or only a reference?
- What dimensional tolerance applies?
- What packaging protects the agreed product?
- When does inspection occur?
- What happens if a result falls outside the agreed acceptance criteria?
Related buyer resources
- See the full PT DAN specification page
- Compare available products
- Use the sample evaluation checklist
- Read a COA or laboratory report
- Review packaging options
Conclusion
A reliable specification connects measurable parameters to a clearly identified grade, sample, test method and acceptance process. It should also remain consistent with packaging and shipment documents.
PT Dharma Artha Nusantara supports buyers through sourcing, trading and export coordination. Contact PT DAN to discuss the intended application, grade, dimensions, packaging and destination requirements.