Commodity Specification Library
Indicative contract specifications for the bulk grades that actually trade | typical values, reject limits, basis and test methods. Always price against the specific contract and independent assay.
The benchmark low-CV Indonesian sub-bituminous grade for Indian and Chinese blending demand. High moisture, low ash, low sulphur.
| Parameter | Typical | Reject | Basis | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross CV (GAR) | 4,200 kcal/kg | below 4,000 | ARB | ASTM D5865 |
| Total moisture | 34–38 % | above 40 % | ARB | ASTM D3302 |
| Inherent moisture | 14–18 % | - | ADB | ASTM D3173 |
| Ash | 4–6 % | above 8 % | ARB | ASTM D3174 |
| Total sulphur | 0.2–0.6 % | above 1.0 % | ARB | ASTM D4239 |
| Volatile matter | 38–42 % | - | ADB | ASTM D3175 |
| Fixed carbon | by difference | - | ADB | - |
| HGI | 45–55 | - | - | ASTM D409 |
| Ash fusion (IDT) | above 1,150 °C | - | - | ASTM D1857 |
| Size | 0–50 mm, 90 % min | - | - | - |
- Priced on GAR; a 100 kcal/kg CV shortfall typically costs 1/42nd of the base price pro rata.
- Group B under the IMSBC Code | self-heating and methane emission; CO monitoring required.
- Indonesian benchmark price (HBA) governs royalty and, for domestic obligations, minimum export pricing.
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Overview & methodology
What is the commodity specification library?
Numerical Example: Iron Ore Grade Comparison
Contract price is usually adjusted (bonus/penalty) per unit of Fe above or below the base specification.
Related tools: Commodity Conversion, Contract Clauses.
Method note: calculations run in your browser using the formulas and published rule books cited on this page. Results are free estimates for planning, with no login required, and should be confirmed with your bank, broker or the official source before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
What are commodity specifications?
Commodity specifications define the acceptable quality range for bulk cargoes (e.g., coal ash content ≤ 15%, moisture ≤ 12%). They include typical values, reject limits, and test methods. Specifications are agreed in the sales contract and enforced via independent inspection at loading and discharge ports.
Why do specifications matter?
Buyer and seller negotiate a price based on specified quality. If delivered cargo fails to meet specs, the buyer may reject it, demand a price adjustment, or claim damages. Specification disputes are among the most common in bulk trade and can halt shipments.
How are specifications tested?
Independent laboratories (SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas) conduct tests per ISO or ASTM methods. For coal: ash, moisture, and calorific value; for grain: protein, moisture, and foreign matter; for ore: iron content, moisture, and LOI. Test certificates are attached to the final invoice and B/L for proof.
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