Effective December 1st, 2026, calcium carbide (CaC₂) export packaging will officially transition to Packing Group I, replacing the long-standing Packing Group II standard.
According to GB 19453, Inspection Specifications for Calcium Carbide Packaging for Dangerous Goods, and considering the hazardous properties of calcium carbide, packaging drums must meet the following testing requirements:
- 1.8-meter drop test
- 30 kPa leakproofness test
- Post-drop leakproofness re-test at 10 kPa
These stringent testing requirements are designed to enhance packaging performance and ensure safety throughout international transportation, cargo handling, transshipment, and storage.
1. Calcium Carbide: Hazard Classification and Regulatory Information
Calcium carbide, commonly known as CaC₂, has the following classification and regulatory information:
- UN Number: UN 1402
- CAS Number: 75-20-7
- Dangerous Goods Class: Class 4.3 (Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases)
- HS Code: 2849100000
- Regulatory Status: Listed in China's Catalogue of Hazardous Chemicals (2015 Edition)
2. Key Changes Under the New Packing Group I Standard
The most significant change under the Packing Group I standard is the requirement for stronger and thicker steel drums.
Compared with the previous Packing Group II packaging, the upgraded drums provide greater structural strength and improved protection during calcium carbide filling, handling, transportation, and storage, significantly enhancing overall packaging safety.
3. Impact on Export Costs
The packaging upgrade will also increase the overall cost of calcium carbide exports.
The estimated cost changes are as follows:
- Previous Packing Group II packaging: Approximately USD 60/MT for 100 kg drums.
- New Packing Group I packaging: Approximately USD 105/MT for 100 kg drums.
- Shipping surcharges: Dangerous goods surcharges imposed by shipping lines are expected to increase by approximately USD 200–300 per 20GP container.
- Port and handling charges: Port stuffing operations and maritime supervision procedures will also be adjusted. Whether additional inland and port-related charges will increase remains to be seen.
4. Impact on the Global Calcium Carbide Market
With the new regulations approaching, Chinese calcium carbide exporters are accelerating shipments under the existing packaging standard to avoid potential losses associated with old packaging inventory.
The transition to the new Packing Group I packaging standard is currently creating a period of adjustment for China's calcium carbide export industry.
For overseas buyers, the increase in packaging and transportation costs is expected to push up the overall export cost of Chinese calcium carbide in the short term, potentially putting upward pressure on international purchasing prices. Market conditions are expected to gradually stabilize as the new standard is fully implemented.
Meanwhile, the implementation of the new packaging requirements is also expected to reopen export channels for calcium carbide producers in regions such as Ningxia. This could break the previous situation in which Inner Mongolia was the main region with stable calcium carbide export capabilities.
As a result, China's overall calcium carbide export supply and shipping capacity are expected to improve, providing international buyers with a broader range of supply options.
5. KEDE Chemical: Your Reliable Calcium Carbide Supplier in China
Inner Mongolia KEDE Chemical Co., Ltd. is a professional calcium carbide manufacturer and exporter in China.
With extensive experience in calcium carbide production, processing, quality control, supply chain management, and export safety, we are committed to providing global customers with high-quality products and reliable supply solutions.
Our focus is on:
- Stable and reliable product supply
- Strict quality control and product consistency
- Professional support for calcium carbide applications
- Comprehensive export logistics coordination
- Responsive after-sales service
KEDE Chemical – Serving Global Markets with Reliable Quality and Supply.
We look forward to building long-term and mutually beneficial partnerships with customers worldwide.