ISO 21626-1:2020

Overview

ISO 21626-1:2020 - Bamboo charcoal - Part 1: Generalities defines requirements and test methods for bamboo charcoal products, with specific applicability to bamboo charcoal briquettes. Prepared by ISO/TC 296 (Bamboo and Rattan), this international standard establishes classification, sampling, analytical procedures, marking, packaging and storage guidance to support consistent quality, safety and trade of bamboo charcoal.

Key topics and requirements

The standard covers practical, testable quality criteria and reference methods:

• Scope & definitions: Clear terminology for bamboo charcoal types (tubular, flakes, granules, powder) and briquette forms.
• Classification: Shapes and sizes are classified and graded (Grade I, II, III) by form and particle size for commercial trade.
• Physical & chemical requirements: Graded limits for key quality indicators:
  • Moisture content (MC): ≤ 9.00% (Grade I), ≤ 12.00% (Grade II & III)
  • Ash content (AC): BC/BCB Grade I ≤ 4.50% (higher limits for Grade II/III; briquettes slightly higher)
  • Fixed carbon (FC): BC/BCB Grade I ≥ 85.00%, Grade II ≥ 75.00%, Grade III ≥ 65.00%
• Particle size measurement: Use ISO 1953 (sieving) for particle-size analysis of charcoal and granules.
• Sampling & analytical methods: Sampling per ISO 18135; moisture by ISO 18134-3; ash by ISO 18122; volatile matter by ISO 18123. Fixed carbon is calculated as 100% − (ash + volatile matter).
• Sensory and visual inspection: Appearance (black, no peculiar smell or contaminants) and simple visual checks for lot acceptance.
• Marking & labelling: Manufacturer name/address, standard reference, production date/batch ID, net mass and grade; usage instructions and precautions on packaging.
• Packaging, transport & storage: Requirements to avoid moisture, sunlight and damage; Annex A gives detailed storage guidance (intermediate storage layout, ventilation, handling, fire-safety measures).

Applications and who uses this standard

ISO 21626-1:2020 is intended for:

• Manufacturers and processors of bamboo charcoal and briquettes - for product specification and quality control.
• Test laboratories - to apply standardized analytical methods (moisture, ash, volatile matter, particle size).
• Suppliers, traders and purchasers - to define grading, labelling and contractual acceptance criteria for domestic and international trade.
• Regulatory bodies and certification schemes - for market surveillance and compliance checks.
• Logistics and storage operators - for safe handling, storage layout and transport practices.

Practical uses include production acceptance testing, commercial grading for export/import, safety-focused storage design, and product labelling to meet buyer requirements.

Related standards

Normative references included in ISO 21626-1:2020:

• ISO 1953 - Size analysis by sieving
• ISO 18122 - Ash content determination
• ISO 18123 - Volatile matter determination
• ISO 18134-3 - Moisture content (oven dry method)
• ISO 18135 - Sampling (solid biofuels)

Keywords: ISO 21626-1:2020, bamboo charcoal, bamboo charcoal briquette, test methods, moisture content, ash content, fixed carbon, particle size, sampling, packaging, storage.