Charcoal declared non-dangerous goods self-ignited while at transhipment port in middle east on 11^th October.

Originating from Indonesia this unit was packed with charcoal with cargo description “PACKAGES OF LUMBER WOOD”.

A day after the initial firefighting and extinguishing of fire the goods inside the box again reignited initiating second firefighting. Since yesterday, 12^th October, firemen are standing by the unit.

This is the second fire in charcoal container, declared as non-hazardous goods, at this port. Both cargoes originating from Asia, China & Indonesia.

What the Code (IMDG) says?

Steam activated carbon is having exemption from the provisions of IMDG Code, however there were many incidents in the past where charcoal offered as steam activated ended up self-heating and ignition during transit. ( Should we deliberate to remove this exemption from the Code?)

Classification is the responsibility of the shipper/consignor. Declaring charcoal consignment as lumber wood is clear violation of the Code unless the consignor is totally ignorant of the provisions of the Code.

Ignorantia Juris Non Excusat – Ignorance of the law is not an excuse!

This serious infringement of the Code should be notified to the Competent authority of the country of origin by the Competent Authority of the port state.