The import and export business is always fraught with the danger of transportation of pests to/from a country. Therefore, shipping container fumigation is a legal requirement in almost every country in the world.

 

 

What do you Mean by Container Fumigation?

As the term denotes, it means fumigating a shipping container to exterminate potential pests and making it pest-proof. It is carried out as a precautionary measure to protect the cargo and the country where it lands. Also, it is necessary for obtaining a phytosanitary certificate from the authorities.

 

Fumigation is a prerequisite for both outbound and inbound shipping containers because you never know what type of quarantine pests you’re sending or bringing in along with your cargo.

Quarantine pests are exotic pests that can have a devastating effect on the country on all fronts, posing threats of new outbreaks. So businesses involved in logistics and shipping have to follow the container fumigation guidelines proposed by the national and international laws.

 

 

Gases Used in Fumigation

Methyl Bromide (CH3Br), phosphine (PH3), sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2), etc. are some of the commonly used pesticide gases used to fumigate containers and loose cargo loads.

 

Methyl Bromide

The chemical formula of methyl bromide is CH3Br. It is used to treat infestation by several types of pests ranging from spiders, mites, and insects to nematodes and rodents. It is an odorless and non-inflammable gas.

 

Phosphine

Aluminum phosphide is a common phosphine releasing agent that has a chemical formula of AlP. It is used as pellets or grains and when it comes in contact with the atmospheric moisture or water, releases phosphine. This gas has a strong and pungent smell and is highly inflammable. It is most effective in treating infestation by insects.

 

Sulfuryl Fluoride

Sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2), another odorless and non-inflammable gas is particularly effective against pests such as the Formosan termites, wood and carpet beetles, moths, cockroaches, bedbugs, rodents, etc.

 

 

What the Procedure Entails and Costs

The container fumigation procedure may vary from provider to provider and container to container. However, the chemicals used will be safe and as per the standard protocols. Methyl bromide and phosphine gas are the most commonly used fumigants as they are accepted as safe and effective, across the world.

 

1. Isolating the container: Container fumigation can be carried out with contents or without. Before the process starts, it is important that the container is isolated from all human access or cordoned off within a 5-meter radius. There will also be warning signs placed around it.

2. Pressure test: Initially, a pressure decay test is conducted to check whether the container is in good shape or not. If there are leaks found on the structures, the container is wrapped with a tarp. This process is called tarp fumigation.

3. Gas Application: Either way, the gas is then released in the container through exposing Phostoxin or Detia gas or Quickphos or Aluminum Phosphide. The doors will remain closed to make the container airtight. After a set time, through natural aeration, the fumigants are removed from the container.

Detia Gas ExT

Detia Gas ExT

4. Completion: After fumigation, a sticker is attached to the container bearing such details as the date and time of the procedure, the name of the fumigator, and the technician.

 

 

Methods of Fumigation

The two main methods of fumigation are the Full container load (FCL) method and the Less-than container load (LCL) method.

 

Full Container Load Fumigation: FCL happens when a full load of exported goods inside the shipping container is fumigated. The fumigating gas is held in the container for some time before being ventilated. The gasses circulating inside the container are more effective. After this, doors are sealed and containers are ready to be dispatched.

 

Loose Container Load Fumigation: Sometimes goods that need to be fumigated are not occupying the whole container. Therefore they are kept separately. Fumigation happens under gas-proof sheetings. Cargo is kept under the sheet for a while and after a couple of hours, space gets ventilated.

 

It is also possible to fumigate the empty container even before it is stuffed.

Ventilation post-fumigation is critical to disperse the fumigants.

 

 

Proof of Fumigation (or Pest Control Certificate)

The sticker alone will not serve as proof for cargo clearance. Therefore, the fumigation company or service provider will issue a certificate containing details such as:

  • Detailed procedure of the treatment
  • Purpose
  • Fumigants used
  • Temperature range
  • Nature of the contents

 

The certificate is also called the pest control certificate, which confirms that the fumigation was done in the proper manner.

 

 

ISPM 15 Stamp

Since wood materials are at constant risk of pest attacks, the ISPM 15 stamp is mandatory. A must-have for hardwood, softwood and all wood pieces (>6mm thickness) present in the packaging, the stamp states that wooden materials are all fumigated adhering to the ISPM 15 guidelines and hence safe for shipping.

 

 

Container Fumigation Costs

The cost of container fumigation also varies with the size of the container (20ft, 40ft, etc.) and the complexity of the procedure that needs to be administered. For example, if the project requires tarp fumigation, the costs are bound to be higher. However, we always maintain reasonable pricing for fumigation services. Call +254737898884, +254759292158, +254789231328, +254742448334, or drop an email to [email protected] to book Full container load (FCL) method or the Less-than container load (LCL) service.