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🇺🇸 Importing Coconut Charcoal to United States

A practical guide for distributors, lounge owners and private-label brands importing wholesale coconut shell charcoal into United States — HS code, duty, VAT, ports, transit and documents.

Market notes

One of the largest hookah/shisha markets outside the Middle East — dense lounge scenes in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Miami and Dearborn. Strong demand for premium low-ash cubes and private-label brands; US buyers expect a consistent COA and reliable restocking.

Customs and duty

Charcoal clears under HTS 4402.90 (duty-free). CBP entry needs a customs bond, commercial invoice, packing list and an ISF filed 24h before loading. Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) apply on landed value.

US Customs (CBP) entry; HTS 4402.90 is duty-free. Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2) must be filed before vessel loading and a customs bond is required. Charcoal fuel is not FDA-regulated. MPF and HMF apply on landed value.

Route and transit

Sea Semarang/Surabaya → Los Angeles/Long Beach (~20–25 days) for the West Coast, or → New York/Savannah (~30–40 days) via Panama. Inland trucking/rail across the US adds 2–5 days.

Ports of entry: Los Angeles/Long Beach, New York/New Jersey, Savannah, Houston

Documents you'll receive from us

• Bill of Lading
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Certificate of Origin (on request)
• Lab COA (ash, burn time, drop test, moisture)