Charcoal Supply Indonesia
Quality Documentation

5-Letter Grade Code System

Transparent, position-based quality grading. Each batch rated A-E across 5 criteria with published evidence.

Executive Summary

What is it?

A 5-letter code showing performance in 5 quality criteria. Each letter (A-E) rates one position.

Format

AAsh
AColor
BSmell
ABurn
BShape

Compact: AABAB

The 5 Positions

P1Ash
P2Color
P3Smell
Critical
P4Burn
P5Shape

Why not "Platinum," "Super," or "Gold" labels?

In Indonesia, one factory's "Platinum" is another factory's "Trash"—there's no standard. A batch called "Premium" might have excellent ash color but terrible smell. Our 5-letter code shows exactly where a batch succeeds or fails—with photos and test data so you can verify every claim.

Grade Scale Quick Reference

A
Best / Elite
Top performance
B
Good
Above average
C
Caution
Mid / acceptable
D
Problem
Below standard
E
Reject
Not exportable

How Each Position Maps to Evidence

Every letter in the grade code is backed by a specific test with photographic or documented proof.

Example Grade Code

AAsh
AColor
BSmell
ABurn
BShape
A
A

Ash Visual + Color

Visual inspection of cleaned ash after complete burn

Evidence

Cleaned ash photos (T-20, T-40, T-60)
Color reference comparison
Sample evidence
B
Critical

Smell / Odor / Taste

Blind smoke test by 2+ independent panelists

Evidence

Sensory panel scorecard
Individual tester notes
Sample evidence
A

Burning Performance

90-minute monitored burn with temperature tracking

Evidence

Timeline photos (T-0 to T-90)
Video clips at key intervals
Temperature log
Sample evidence
B

Shape & Geometry

Digital caliper measurement of 100+ piece sample

Evidence

Size distribution chart
Tolerance compliance report
Sample evidence

Every position is backed by documented, verifiable evidence — no marketing claims.

The 5 Quality Positions

Each position evaluates a specific quality aspect. A (excellent) to E (fail).

P1Ash Content (Visual)

Method: Visual inspection across T-0 to T-90 photos and cleaned-ash checks

AUltra-compact ash (very low visible volume)
BCompact ash (small visual volume)
CNormal / common visual ash volume
DFluffy ash (high visual volume)
EThick / flaky ash (unacceptable for shisha)

P2Ash Color

Method: Color correlates with combustion completeness

ASnow white
BWhite / Cream
CCream / Light grey
DGrey
EDark grey / sooty

P3Smell / Odor / Taste
Critical

Method: Blind smoke test by 2+ independent panelists

ANo detectable off-odor/taste
BNeutral (no negative notes)
CSlight natural wood/coconut hint — acceptable
DNoticeable off-notes (starch, oil residue) — caution
EStrong chemical/foreign taste — reject for shisha

P4Burning Performance

Method: Peak surface temp, plateau temp, sustained minutes, cracking behavior

AStable high plateau; long burn (90+ mins for premium sizes)
BStrong & stable (75–90 mins typical)
CAcceptable (60–75 mins)
DShort / unstable (<60 mins)
EHighly inconsistent / breakdown

P5Shape & Geometry

Method: Physical measurement and visual inspection

AExcellent cube uniformity; edges sharp; within ±0.5mm tolerance
BVery good; minor variance
CNormal tolerance; usable
DNoticeable geometry issues (size spread, micro-cracks)
EBreaks / unacceptable pieces for shisha

QA Rules & Actions

Automatic actions based on grade code results. Critical failures trigger immediate review.

Critical

P3 (Smell) = D or E

Immediate manual review; typically downgraded or returned

Critical

Any position = E

Batch marked non-exportable as shisha-grade

Warning

Two positions ≤ D

Hold shipment and re-test; notify procurement

Info

COA ash %

Displayed for transparency but does not override visual/sensory outcomes

How to Read the Code

Example grades and their interpretations. From elite to reject.

A
A
A
A
A

Elite

AAAAA

Ultra-compact ash, snow-white, no off-smell, long stable burn, perfect cubes

Best for: Luxury private label, high-end lounges
A
A
B
A
B

Excellent

AABAB

Excellent visual & color; neutral sensory (B); strong burn and good shape

Best for: Retail brands, upscale cafes
B
C
C
B
C

Mainline

BCCBC

Acceptable but not premium across the board

Best for: Mainline retail distribution
C
D
D
C
D

Caution

CDDCD

Visual and sensory issues present

Best for: Low-margin markets or blending
E
D
E
E
D

Reject

EDEED

Multiple critical failures

Best for: Not exportable as shisha-grade

Blind Smoke Test Protocol

How we evaluate P3 (Smell/Odor/Taste)—the most critical position.

1

Random Sample Selection

50kg sample drawn from incoming batch at multiple points

2

Blind Protocol

Testers are unaware of batch origin or factory-claimed grade

3

Standard Setup

Standardized shisha equipment with neutral tobacco blend

4

Independent Scoring

Each tester scores smell, taste, and smoke quality separately

5

Grade Determination

Compare scores; any critical failure triggers downgrade or rejection

Blind smoke test video

Video placeholder (960×540)

Testing Equipment

Standardized equipment for consistent, reproducible measurements.

Digital Scales

0.01g precision

Weight per piece measurement

IR Thermometer

-50°C to 550°C

Surface temperature during burn

Calibrated Timers

±0.1s accuracy

Burn time measurement

Standard Shisha Kit

Controlled setup

Blind smoke testing

What We Publish Per Batch

Every graded batch includes verifiable evidence for each position.

Burning Timeline Photos

Complete T-0 to T-90 minute progression shots showing burn stability and ash formation

Cleaned Ash Photos

Final ash volume and color after complete burn, brushed and photographed

Blind Smoke Test Report

Independent sensory panel notes from 2+ testers, scored without batch knowledge

COA (Certificate of Analysis)

Lab-tested ash %, moisture, fixed carbon, and heat output for reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the grading system.

Ready to See Real Grades?

Browse our current inventory with full grade codes and evidence.

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