# Buying Coconut Shell Activated Carbon from Sri Lanka

Source: https://srilankaexport.com/it/activated-carbon-sri-lanka-guide/

By the [SriLankaExport.com Trade Desk](https://srilankaexport.com/it/our-trade-desk/) · researched & fact-checked against primary sources

Coconut-shell is the hardest biomass used for activated carbon, which is why coconut-shell activated carbon has the highest micropore volume and iodine values of any plant source. Sri Lanka’s mature coconut industry makes it one of the most reliable origins for high-grade coconut-shell charcoal and activated carbon: used in water treatment, food and beverage decolouration, gold recovery, air purification and pharmaceuticals.

### Product Range

- Raw coconut-shell charcoal: for shisha/hookah, BBQ and as feedstock.

- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): water/air treatment, gold recovery.

- Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC): decolouration, pharma.

- Extruded/pelletised carbon: gas-phase and solvent recovery.

### Specifications to Specify

Parameter |
Typical target |

Iodine value |
900–1,100 mg/g (higher for premium) |

Methylene blue |
200–300 mg/g |

CTC / hardness |
By application |

Mesh size |
e.g. 8×16, 8×30, 12×40, or powder mesh |

Moisture / ash |
≤5% / ≤5% |

Application drives the spec: water treatment prioritizes iodine value and mesh; gold recovery prioritizes hardness and abrasion; pharma/food needs the relevant pharmacopoeia grade. Tell the exporter the use, not just “activated carbon”, and request a COA.

### HS Codes & Pricing

HS Code |
Product |

3802.10 |
Activated carbon |

4402.90 |
Coconut-shell charcoal |

Indicative: raw shell charcoal and activated carbon vary widely by grade; request a current quote. MOQ commonly 1 MT (big bags) up to a full 20-ft container (≈18 MT). SGS/third-party inspection is common for large lots.

### How to Source

- Define application, iodine/hardness/mesh and any pharmacopoeia grade.

- Request COA + SGS inspection for bulk; confirm packaging (25 kg bags or 1 MT big bags).

- [Post a sourcing request](/post-a-requirement/) for matched quotes.

### Related guides

- [Coconut shell activated carbon for water treatment](/coconut-shell-activated-carbon-water-treatment-guide/): iodine number, mesh, NSF/ANSI 61 and PFAS

- [Gold recovery activated carbon](/gold-recovery-activated-carbon-sourcing-guide/): CIP and CIL specifications

- [Fine-mesh carbon for filter makers](/product/coconut-shell-activated-carbon-filter-cartridge-grades/)

#### Source Activated Carbon

Coconut-shell activated carbon and charcoal from Sri Lankan exporters reviewed by our marketplace team.

[Browse Coconut Products →](/product-category/coconut-products/)

SLE

SriLankaExport.com Trade Desk

Export specialists at Harker International (Pvt) Ltd, Kandy, Sri Lanka. Every guide is researched and verified against customs tariffs, EDB data and the relevant international standards. [Our editorial standards & team →](https://srilankaexport.com/it/our-trade-desk/)