Frequently Asked Questions

We export premium Nigerian hardwood charcoal in four main grades: restaurant-grade large lumps, premium BBQ charcoal (medium lumps), natural mixed-size hardwood lump charcoal, and industrial/bulk charcoal including smalls and fines. All grades are 100% natural hardwood with no chemical additives or binders.

Our standard minimum order is one 20-foot full container load (FCL). Larger programmes of multiple 40-foot containers per month can be arranged. We do not currently ship LCL (less than container load) consignments except for trial shipments agreed in advance.

Loading weight depends on lump size, bag format and destination regulations. As a general guide, a 20' container typically carries roughly 10–13 tonnes of bagged lump charcoal and a 40' high-cube container around 20–26 tonnes. We confirm the exact loading plan and estimated weight for your specific grade and packaging before booking.

For standard grades and plain export packaging, allow approximately 3–5 weeks from confirmed order and deposit to vessel departure from Lagos, subject to vessel schedules. Private-label packaging adds time for bag printing; we advise the exact schedule at quotation stage.

We typically work with a deposit on order confirmation with the balance against shipping documents, or an irrevocable letter of credit at sight. Exact terms depend on order size, destination and relationship history, and are agreed in the pro-forma invoice.

Yes. Pre-shipment samples can be dispatched by courier so you can check lump size, density and burn performance before committing to a container. Sample and courier costs are payable by the buyer and credited against the first order.

We quote FOB Lagos (Apapa or Tin Can Island) as standard, and can also offer CFR/CIF to your destination port through our freight-forwarding partners. EXW and FCA quotations are available for buyers using their own nominated forwarders.

A standard document set includes the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, fumigation/phytosanitary certificates where required by the destination, and a certificate of analysis or inspection report for the shipment. Container loading photographs and a loading report are shared with every shipment. Additional documents required by your country of import can be arranged.

Yes. Private-label and OEM packaging is available. You supply the artwork (or we can assist with design), and we arrange printing of BOPP-laminated or PP woven bags in your brand, with your specified bag weights.

The key parameters are fixed carbon, ash content, moisture content, volatile matter and calorific value, alongside physical checks for lump size distribution, fines percentage and foreign matter. Independent laboratory testing or third-party inspection (for example SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek or Cotecna) can be arranged at the buyer's request and cost.

Charcoal is classified as a potentially self-heating cargo under the IMDG Code, and shipping lines require evidence that it is safe for carriage. We follow established industry practice — adequate cooling and weathering of the charcoal after production, moisture control, and provision of the self-heating test certificate or exemption documentation required by the carrier — so that bookings are accepted without delay.

Yes. Ayin (Anogeissus leiocarpus) is the dense savanna hardwood most sought after by importers of Nigerian charcoal, prized for its long burn, high heat and low ash. Our restaurant-grade and hardwood lump grades are sourced principally from Ayin, with other dense species such as Acacia available on request. The species mix is declared on the specification sheet for every order.

Charcoal is quoted per metric tonne on FOB Lagos or CIF destination terms, and the price depends on grade (restaurant, BBQ, mixed lump or industrial), lump size profile, packaging (plain PP sacks versus printed retail bags), order volume and current freight rates. Because these factors move, we do not publish a fixed list price — send your requirement through the quotation form and you will receive a current, itemised price within two business days.

Yes. The Gulf (Jebel Ali, Jeddah, Dammam, Doha) and the Eastern Mediterranean (Mersin, Istanbul, Piraeus, Limassol) are among the most active destinations for Nigerian charcoal, with regular container services from Lagos. We quote FOB Lagos or CIF to your named port and prepare the documents your customs authority requires.

We are set up to export to the Middle East (GCC states, Jordan, Lebanon), Europe (Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Eastern and Southern Europe), Asia (including China, Korea and South-East Asia) and other African markets. If your destination is not listed, contact us — we will confirm feasibility and documentation requirements.