Do I need to do Fumigation?

Fumigating shipping containers are usually a standard protocol for many countries to ensure pests do not enter their country. There would be many issues if foreign diseases are carried across borders. There are generally 2 types of fumigation, which are categorized by the volume of shipment goods.

A Full Container Load fumigation is commonly conducted for goods and packaging export. The exported goods loaded within the shipping container will be fumigated. The gas will be held for a minimum period before being ventilated. Lastly, the doors will be sealed and only then the container is allowed to be dispatched.

A fumigation certificate is subsequently issued for the treated contents and the container. Depending on the destination of the cargo and whether it contains wooden packaging material, relevant fumigation standards are followed by the fumigator during treatment.

However do check if the contents are able to be exposed to chemicals. If the shipment contents cannot be exposed to chemicals, it might be wiser to remove the wooden packaging material. Not only will it reduce the shipment cost, it will also ensure shipment arrives at destination with minimal or no damages.

A Loose Container Load fumigation is easily distinguished because it is too small to occupy an entire container. Therefore in a same container, the cargo will travels with other items belonging to other owners. This can also be applied to air freight shipments as well.

For fumigation purposes, the cargo is kept separate from others. The fumigation is conducted on-site, usually at the forwarding agent’s premises. The items are treated with fumigant under gas proof sheeting for a minimum period before being ventilated.

A fumigation certificate is subsequently issued for the treated goods. It is then loaded into the container depending on destination and whether it contains wooden packaging material, relevant fumigation standards are applied by the fumigator in this treatment.

How to know which countries require Fumigation for their imports?

Most fumigators would know which countries require fumigation and the latest requirement. If you want to check on your own to make sure, this is the website we use to counter check. If treated wooden packing material is used for your shipment, there is no need to arrange for another treatment after packing. Relevant documents have to be in place to show that the treatment done is relevant for the destination country.

ISPM 15

Do note the above website can only be used as a guideline. For more accurate information, do feel free to contact us.