World Shipping Council issues guide on new charcoal transport regulations

The World Shipping Council (WSC), in collaboration with IGP&I and TT Club, has created a quick reference guide to ensure shippers are well informed about new safety measures for transporting charcoal.

In response to a series of devastating fires caused by improperly handled charcoal, shippers should be ready to see carriers phase in new tighter regulations this year.

"We’ve seen too many preventable fires on board vessels caused by improper handling of charcoal," said Joe Kramek, WSC President and CEO. "These fires endanger crew and cargo and have had tragic consequences."

The new regulations require all charcoal shipments to be declared as dangerous goods under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. There are also new treatment, packing, and stowage requirements for shipments of charcoal. 

The issuance of the new guide one of the proactive steps taken by the shipping industry to implement improved safety measures for transporting charcoal, ahead of mandatory IMO regulations in 2026.

The guide is available in both English and Chinese on the WSC website. More information about the changes to charcoal transportation regulations can be read here.