Guidelines for Safe Transport of Carbon Black
Carbon black can be identified by its HS code: 2803
Self-Heating: Repeated testing has confirmed that carbon black of mineral origin is NOT a self-heating substance. Carbon black has been tested in accordance with the U.N. method, Self-Heating Solids by independent qualified laboratories, and found to be “Not a self-heating substance of Division 4.2.” In addition, carbon black has been tested in accordance with the U.N. method, Readily Combustible Solids, and found to be “Not a readily combustible solid of Division 4.1,” under current U.N. Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
Test report: ICBA Self Heating Statement with Dekra Report
Not Self-Heating
Repeated testing has demonstrated that carbon black of mineral origin (HS code 2803) is NOT a self-heating substance.
Shipping Containers: Reusable shipping containers should be returned to the manufacturer. Paper bags may be incinerated, recycled, or disposed of in an appropriate landfill in accordance with national and local regulations.
Transportation Classifications: Commercial carbon black is not classified as a hazardous material by the following agencies:
U.N. Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods
European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods (ADR)
Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID), part of the Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail
European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (AND)
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea — International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code)
Convention on International Civil Aviation — Annex 18 — Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air
Canadian Transport of Dangerous Goods Regulations
International Air Transport Association (IATA-DGR)
MARPOL 73/78, Annex II
IBC-Code
United States Department of Transportation
Canadian Transport of Dangerous Goods Regulation
Australian Dangerous Goods Code
It should be noted that carbon black (HS code 2803) is NOT activated carbon (HS code 3802) and is NOT charcoal/carbon (HS code 4402) and there are significant differences as it relates to transport classifications.
Frequently Asked Questions- Carbon Black vs. Activated Carbon/Charcoal: Identification & Classification within IMDG
What is the difference between Carbon Black, Activated Carbon, and Charcoal?
Carbon Black (HS Code 2803) is manufactured from mineral origin (petroleum and gas feedstocks.)
Activated Carbon (HS Code 3802) is derived from activated natural mineral products including coconut, coal, and animal bones.
Charcoal/Carbon (HS Code 4402) is a lightweight, black residue, consisting of Carbon and any remaining ash, obtained by removing water and other volatile constituents from animal and vegetation substances. Charcoal is usually produced by slow pyrolysis, which is the heating of wood or other organic substances in the absence of oxygen.
Does the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) apply to Carbon Black (HS Code 2803)?
No! The provisions of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) do not apply to Carbon Blacks of mineral origin. Carbon blacks of mineral origin do not meet the criteria of a self-heating substance of Division 4.2 Packing Group assignments (Test method: U.N./TDGDOT 49 CFR 173.25 Class 4 Div. 4.2 Packing Group Assignments).
Carbon black is NOT activated carbon or charcoal.
Carbon black is NOT of animal nor vegetable origin.
Carbon black is NOT made by a steam activation process.
Is Carbon Black of mineral origin considered self-heating?
No! Repeated testing has confirmed that Carbon Black of mineral origin is NOT a self-heating substance of Division 4.2.
This result has been repeatedly confirmed by independent qualified laboratories testing Carbon Black of mineral origin to the standard established by UN/DOT Transportation Testing N.4 (Division 4.2)/Self-Heating Solids. Testing was performed by these labs on various ASTM grades of Carbon Black of mineral origin. Each of these tests have confirmed that Carbon Black of mineral origin is not self-heating.
Does the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) apply to Activated Carbon and Charcoal?
Yes! Activated Carbons and Charcoal are commodities liable to spontaneous combustion and are thus classified 4.2 (substances liable to spontaneous combustion) in the IMDG Code.
How do you identify Carbon Black?
Carbon Black can be identified by its HS Code 2803.
Manufacturers of Carbon Black (HS Code 2803) include the following International Carbon Black Association (ICBA) members:
Birla Carbon
Cabot Corporation
Cancarb Limited
Continental Carbon
Imerys
Orion Engineered Carbons LLC
Tokai Carbon CB
Specific questions regarding transport classification should be referred to your carbon black supplier.