New

Ask Wove anything about tariffs.

Try Tariff Assistant

Palm Kernel Shell Charcoal

Charcoal derived from palm kernel shells, a byproduct of palm oil production, compressed into lumps for BBQ use. This product is classified under tariff item 4402.20.10 when it is intended for use in the manufacture of activated carbon, as the shell origin and carbonization process yield a suitable precursor. The lumps can be further processed into activated carbon for industrial applications.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN TariffSurtaxesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳ChinaFree—Free
🇲🇽MexicoFree—Free
🇺🇸United StatesFree—Free
🇩🇪GermanyFree—Free
🇯🇵JapanFree—Free

More Specific Codes

This product may fall under a more specific subheading:

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

4402.20.90Higher: 6.5% vs Free

If the charcoal is for BBQ or other fuel use

Fuel charcoal is not for activated carbon manufacture and is classified under the other shell charcoal item.

Not sure which classification is right?

The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.

Import Tips & Compliance

• Ensure the charcoal is not pre-activated; only raw carbonized shell charcoal qualifies for this item

• Document the intended use in activated carbon production with purchase orders or contracts

• Verify the shipment does not contain binders exceeding 3% by weight, as per chapter notes

Related Products under Tariff item 4402.20.10

Coconut Shell Charcoal Briquettes

High-quality charcoal made from coconut shells, agglomerated into uniform briquettes for efficient burning. This product falls under tariff item 4402.20.10 as it is specifically intended for use in the manufacture of activated carbon, a key industrial application. The coconut shell origin and briquette form ensure consistent carbon content suitable for activation processes.

Hardwood Nut Shell Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal produced from nut shells like pecan or walnut, used for water filtration and air purification. This product is classified under tariff item 4402.20.10 because it is explicitly for use in the manufacture of activated carbon, aligning with the item's scope. The activation process enhances porosity, making it suitable for industrial filtration applications.

Macadamia Nut Shell Charcoal Briquettes

Premium briquettes from macadamia nut shells, marketed for luxury grilling. While this product is a shell charcoal, it is classified under tariff item 4402.20.10 only if it is destined for activated carbon manufacture. The briquettes are naturally bound without additives, providing high carbon content suitable for industrial activation processes.

Pecan Shell BBQ Charcoal

Lump charcoal from pecan nut shells, popular for smoking meats in Southern US BBQ. This product falls under tariff item 4402.20.10 if it is imported for use in the manufacture of activated carbon, given its nut shell origin and carbonized form. The natural agglomeration during pyrolysis provides a dense carbon source suitable for activation.

Walnut Shell Charcoal Granules

Granulated charcoal from walnut shells, used in aquariums and industrial blasting media. This product is classified under tariff item 4402.20.10 when it is intended for use in the manufacture of activated carbon, as the granulated form and high hardness make it an excellent precursor. The post-carbonization grinding does not alter its classification as shell charcoal.